Turkey Marsala

Turkey Marsala Recipe from Italy - Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: This recipe makes 4.

Introduction

Turkey Marsala is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender turkey cutlets with a rich and flavorful marsala wine sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

History

Turkey Marsala is a variation of the classic Italian dish Chicken Marsala. Marsala wine, which is a fortified wine from Sicily, is the key ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive flavor. The dish is believed to have originated in the western region of Sicily, where marsala wine is produced.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of turkey cutlets or scaloppine, cut into 4 pieces
2 tbsp of flour
salt
freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp each of olive oil and unsalted butter
2 cups of sliced mushrooms
0.5 cup of chicken broth
0.5 cup of marsala, sherry, or madeira
1 tbsp of lemon juice

How to prepare

Cover the turkey pieces with wax or parchment paper. Pound them very thin using a hammer or meat pounder. Coat them in flour and shake off any excess. Season with 0.5 tsp of salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey in batches, turning once, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, which should take about 3 minutes. Remove the turkey from the pan and place them on an ovenproof platter in the oven to keep them warm.
Add butter to the pan and cook the mushrooms until they slightly soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth and marsala, then increase the heat to high and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, which should take about 12 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Return the turkey to the pan and coat them with the mushrooms and sauce.
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fiber: 0.5 g

Variations

Substitute chicken for turkey cutlets for a more traditional Chicken Marsala dish.
Add chopped garlic or shallots to the sauce for extra flavor.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Pound the turkey cutlets thin to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

- Be sure to shake off any excess flour from the turkey before cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

- Use a high-quality marsala wine for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Be careful not to overcook the turkey cutlets, as they can become tough and dry.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey Marsala pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. A side of steamed vegetables or a green salad can also complement the dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Turkey Marsala is to cook the turkey cutlets quickly over high heat to ensure they stay tender and juicy. The marsala sauce should be simmered until it thickens slightly and coats the turkey evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have marsala wine on hand, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine. You can also use chicken broth in place of the marsala for a lighter version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey cutlets and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and turkey in a skillet until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Turkey Marsala on a platter with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Turkey Marsala pairs well with a glass of marsala wine or a light red wine such as pinot noir. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is also a nice addition to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Turkey Marsala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Turkey Marsala contains 320 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Turkey Marsala contains 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Turkey Marsala contains 13.5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Turkey Marsala contains a generous amount of protein from the turkey cutlets.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey Marsala is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Turkey Marsala is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is relatively low in calories and can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Turkey Marsala is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Turkey Marsala. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was renowned for her exquisite Italian dishes, and she was eager to share her secrets with me.

As we sipped on homemade lemonade, Maria began to rummage through her collection of old cookbooks, searching for the perfect recipe to impress me. After a few moments of flipping through the pages, she came across a worn-out book with a faded cover. "Ah, here it is," Maria exclaimed with a smile, as she pointed to a page filled with handwritten notes and splatters of sauce.

"This is my family's recipe for Turkey Marsala," Maria explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a dish that has been passed down for generations, and I am thrilled to share it with you." I watched in awe as Maria gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish with such grace and precision.

The aroma of garlic, onions, and mushrooms filled the air as the turkey sizzled in the pan. Maria carefully added the Marsala wine, letting it simmer and infuse the meat with its rich flavor. I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and expertise in the kitchen.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She told me how her grandmother had learned to make Turkey Marsala from a dear friend who had immigrated from Italy many years ago. The friend had taught her the traditional methods and techniques, passing down the recipe as a token of their friendship.

Maria's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke of her grandmother's love for cooking and how she had passed on her passion for food to her. I could see the pride and joy in Maria's face as she continued to share the memories of her childhood spent in the kitchen, learning from her beloved grandmother.

After that day, I couldn't get the recipe for Turkey Marsala out of my mind. I was determined to recreate the dish in my own kitchen and carry on the tradition that Maria had so graciously shared with me. I spent hours pouring over cookbooks, experimenting with different ingredients, and perfecting my technique until I finally achieved the same delicious flavors that Maria had introduced me to.

Now, whenever I make Turkey Marsala, I think of Maria and her family's cherished recipe. I am grateful for the friendship and love that she has shared with me, and I am honored to carry on the tradition that has been passed down through generations.

As I prepare the dish in my kitchen, I can't help but smile as the aromas of garlic, onions, and Marsala wine fill the air. I know that Maria's spirit is with me, guiding me through each step of the recipe and reminding me of the joy and love that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

I am thankful for the gift of Maria's recipe for Turkey Marsala, and I will always hold it close to my heart as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create cherished memories that last a lifetime.