Turkey Tasso

Turkey Tasso Recipe - A Delicious and Flavorful Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Turkey Tasso is a flavorful and spicy smoked turkey dish that is perfect for adding a kick to your meals. This recipe combines a variety of seasonings and spices to create a delicious and unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Turkey Tasso is a Cajun dish that originated in Louisiana. It is traditionally made with pork, but this recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by using turkey breast instead. The seasonings and smoking process give the turkey a rich and smoky flavor that is perfect for adding to soups, stews, and other dishes.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of onion powder
2 tbsp of ground black pepper
1 tbsp of ground white pepper
1 tbsp of ground cumin
2 tbsp of liquid smoke
2 tbsp of granulated garlic
2 tbsp of ground red pepper
2 tbsp of paprika
2 tsp of salt
3 lb (1.36 kg) of skinned and boned turkey breast

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, garlic, onion powder, red, white, and black peppers, paprika, salt, and cumin. Mix well.
Place the turkey breast in a large glass bowl and sprinkle 4 tbsp of the mixture over it, ensuring it is coated evenly.
Store the remaining seasoning mix in a tightly sealed container for future use.
Sprinkle the turkey with liquid smoke, rubbing the seasoning mix and liquid all over the breast.
Cover the bowl and marinate the turkey in the refrigerator for two (2) days, turning it occasionally.
Light the fire in a charcoal water smoker and cover it, allowing the heat and smoke to accumulate.
Once the smoker is ready, place the turkey breast on the wire rack and smoke it for 7 hours.
Add water as needed during the smoking process.
Add a few mesquite chips every hour or so.
When the turkey breast is done, remove it from the smoker and set it aside to cool.
Note that the turkey will be very dry, almost like jerky. This is normal.
Store the smoked turkey breast in freezer bags for up to one month in the refrigerator or six months in the freezer.

Variations

Substitute the turkey breast with pork loin for a more traditional Tasso flavor.
Add additional spices such as thyme, oregano, or cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the turkey breast for at least two days to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Keep an eye on the smoker and add water and mesquite chips as needed to maintain the heat and smoke levels.

- Store any leftover seasoning mix in a tightly sealed container for future use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey Tasso sliced thinly on a platter as an appetizer, or incorporate it into dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, or pasta for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Smoking the turkey breast in a charcoal water smoker gives it a rich and smoky flavor that is characteristic of Tasso.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have liquid smoke, you can use smoked paprika or smoked salt for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the turkey breast in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before smoking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sliced Turkey Tasso on a wooden platter garnished with fresh herbs for a rustic and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Turkey Tasso with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the smoky flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Turkey Tasso in freezer bags in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to six months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

160

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 4g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 2g

- Saturated Fat: 0.5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Turkey Tasso recipe is a low-carb, high-protein dish that is perfect for those looking to add some variety to their meals. It is also relatively low in calories and fats, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.

Summary

Turkey Tasso is a delicious and flavorful smoked turkey dish that is perfect for adding a Cajun twist to your meals. With a variety of seasonings and spices, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was tucked away in the back of an old recipe book that I had inherited from my Great Aunt Martha. The book was filled with all sorts of delicious dishes, but there was something about the Turkey Tasso recipe that called out to me.

I had never heard of Turkey Tasso before, but the ingredients intrigued me. It called for smoked turkey, spicy Andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of Creole spices. It sounded like a flavor explosion just waiting to happen.

I decided to give it a try one Sunday afternoon when my husband and children were out running errands. I gathered all the ingredients, chopped the vegetables, and started to cook. The kitchen was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of smoked turkey and simmering spices.

As the dish cooked, I couldn't help but think back to how I had acquired the recipe in the first place. Aunt Martha had always been a fantastic cook, and I had spent many hours in her kitchen watching her work her culinary magic. She had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to New Orleans and brought back the flavors of the city with her.

Aunt Martha had passed the recipe down to me with a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I would appreciate its bold flavors and rich history. She had always been so generous with her knowledge, sharing her recipes and cooking tips with anyone who asked.

As the Turkey Tasso bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the women who had come before me, passing down their culinary traditions with love and care. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own recipe collection, one that I would share with my own grandchildren someday.

When my family returned home that evening, they were greeted with the tantalizing aroma of the Turkey Tasso wafting through the house. They eagerly sat down to dinner, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites.

"This is amazing, Grandma!" my youngest daughter exclaimed between mouthfuls. "Where did you learn to make this?"

I smiled at her and said, "From Aunt Martha, of course. She always knew the best recipes to try."

And as we sat around the table, enjoying the delicious meal that I had prepared with love and care, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection to the women who had come before me. Their recipes lived on in my kitchen, bringing joy and nourishment to my family with each delicious bite. And for that, I would be forever grateful.