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Turkey Tail Recipe

Turkey Tail Recipe - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

I'm excited to share a recipe that has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen: Turkey Tail. Yes, you heard that right! This dish doesn't involve the festive bird, but rather, the amazing smoked turkey drumsticks that add a depth of flavor to your meals. 
Turkey tail is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients for the whole family. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Calories: 123
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Smoked Turkey Drumsticks
  • 3 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 5 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Yellow onions, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Bell peppers green
  • 1/3 cup Celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 Chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 tsp Garlic granules
  • 1 tsp Onion granules
  • 1 tsp Dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/2 tsp Ground thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. First things first, assemble all of your ingredients on the countertop. This makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable, I promise!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and sliced celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent. The aromas will bring everyone into the kitchen!
Step 3: Create the Roux
  1. Now add the flour to the pot and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This process develops flavor! Once it’s mixed well and slightly browned, we can move on.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
  1. Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking continuously. You'll avoid any lumps here. Add the chicken bouillon cubes, garlic granules, onion granules, dried parsley, sea salt, Italian seasoning blend, ground thyme, and pepper. Stir until the bouillon cubes dissolve.
Step 5: Incorporate the Turkey
  1. Gently add the smoked turkey drumsticks into the pot. They’ll start to warm through and infuse their smoky flavor into the broth.
Step 6: Simmer
  1. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to effectively meld all the flavors. Occasionally, give it a gentle stir.
Step 7: Final Touches
  1. After 30 minutes, add the tomato paste and smoked paprika. This will deepen the color and enhance the taste. Stir well for another 5 minutes. You can taste the broth and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Remove from heat and serve the turkey tail hot. Enjoy it on its own, or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use High-Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or a quality low-sodium option for the best flavor.
  • Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone has different preferences. Start with less salt and adjust as needed.
  • Resting Time: Allow the turkey to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots or peas for added nutrition and color.
  • Garnish: Fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, give a nice presentation and a burst of freshness.