This is a delightful dish that combines the smoky flavor of turkey with the sweet and subtle flavor of leeks. The creaminess of the sauce is perfectly balanced by the acidity of your chosen wine. Even if you're not a pro in the kitchen, you can whip up this spaghetti recipe easily. The end result is a deliciously comforting meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
This recipe calls for smoked turkey, which is not usually present in every kitchen. You can readily find it in the deli section of your local supermarket or at a butcher's shop. Another ingredient is leeks, which are a type of vegetable similar to onions but with a milder and sweeter taste. They're usually found in the fresh produce section of grocery stores. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly as they can harbour sand and dirt in their layers.
Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti Ingredients
Butter: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dish and aids in sautéing the leeks.
Leeks: Provides a sweet and mild onion-like flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
Chicken broth: Adds extra flavor and forms the base of the sauce.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
Smoked turkey: Brings a smoky and hearty flavor to the dish.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note.
Black pepper: Gives a slight heat and spice to the dish.
Spaghetti: Serves as the main carbohydrate and holds the sauce well.
One reader, Deva Segal says:
This smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti recipe is a game-changer! The combination of smoky turkey and tender leeks in a creamy sauce is simply divine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so easy to make. It's a new family favorite in our household!
Key Techniques for Crafting Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti
How to prepare leeks: Leeks can trap dirt and grit between their layers, so it's important to clean them thoroughly. Start by trimming off the root end and dark green tops. Slice the leeks lengthwise, then chop them into half-moons. Place the chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water and swish them around to loosen any dirt. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before using.
How to cook spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, then carefully add the spaghetti. Stir the spaghetti occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
How to make a wine recommendation: Consider the flavor profile of the dish and choose a wine that complements it. For this smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti, a pinot noir from Oregon or a riesling from the Alsace region of France would pair well. The smokiness of the turkey calls for a wine with good acidity to balance the flavors.
How To Make Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti
Take your pasta game to the next level with this spaghetti recipe. It has flavorful smoked turkey complemented by fresh leeks and parsley.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspbutter
- 3largeleeks
- 1tspsalt
- ½cupchicken broth,canned, low sodium or homemade stock
- 1cupheavy cream
- ½lbsmoked turkey
- 2tbspparsley,chopped
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- ¾lbspaghetti
Instructions
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In a large frying pan, melt the butter over moderate heat.
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Add the leeks and salt and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are tender.
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Add the broth, increase the heat to moderately high, and simmer until the liquid is reduced to about ¼ cup.
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Stir in the cream and bring to a simmer.
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Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Stir in the turkey, parsley, and pepper.
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done.
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Drain and toss with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 690.17kcal
- Fat: 30.01g
- Saturated Fat: 16.73g
- Trans Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.44g
- Carbohydrates: 78.34g
- Fiber: 4.33g
- Sugar: 7.72g
- Protein: 26.69g
- Cholesterol: 130.87mg
- Sodium: 733.66mg
- Calcium: 117.54mg
- Potassium: 556.88mg
- Iron: 3.57mg
- Vitamin A: 356.07µg
- Vitamin C: 12.96mg
Mastering the Art of Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti: A Technique Tip
When preparing the leeks, make sure to clean them thoroughly as they often have dirt hidden in their layers. Slice off the root end and the tough green tops, then slice the leek in half lengthwise. Rinse under running water, fanning the layers slightly to remove any dirt. Pat dry before chopping and adding to your recipe. This will ensure your spaghetti dish is free from any gritty texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spaghetti Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and store the leeks and smoked turkey in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot to boil the spaghetti and cook the sauce simultaneously, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Multitask: While the spaghetti is boiling, prepare the sauce to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup, making the process more efficient.
Efficient chopping: Utilize a sharp knife and proper cutting techniques to speed up the preparation of ingredients.
Use kitchen tools: Employ kitchen gadgets such as a food processor or mandoline to expedite the chopping and slicing process.
Organize ingredients: Prior to cooking, organize all the necessary ingredients and utensils to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while also being a healthier alternative to butter.
leeks - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for leeks, providing a similar mild and sweet flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar depth of flavor while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
smoked turkey - Substitute with smoked chicken: Smoked chicken can be used as a substitute for smoked turkey, providing a similar smoky flavor and texture to the dish.
parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine can be used as a substitute for spaghetti, providing a similar shape and texture to the dish.
Presenting Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti
Elevate the plating: When presenting the smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Consider using a large, shallow bowl to showcase the dish and allow the spaghetti to be the star of the show.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a delicate sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the spaghetti to provide a contrasting texture and an additional layer of flavor.
Consider the placement of the turkey: Carefully arrange the smoked turkey on top of the spaghetti, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and visually appealing. This will create a balanced and harmonious presentation.
Use complementary dinnerware: Select elegant and complementary dinnerware that enhances the overall presentation of the dish. Consider using white or neutral-toned plates to allow the vibrant colors of the spaghetti and leeks to stand out.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is precise and visually stunning. Every detail matters when aiming for a presentation that impresses culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making This Spaghetti Recipe
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, and blanching ingredients.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing, chopping, and dicing ingredients.
Tongs: A kitchen tool with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting items.
Measuring cup: A graduated container used for measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
Measuring spoons: A set of spoons used for measuring small amounts of ingredients.
Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
Large frying pan: A wide, shallow pan used for frying, sautéing, and stir-frying ingredients.
Pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, and simmering ingredients.
Strainer: A kitchen tool with a mesh or perforated surface used for straining liquids and separating solids from liquids.
Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert designed specifically for cooking pasta.
Storing and Freezing Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti for Later
To store leftover smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent the spaghetti from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
To freeze, portion the cooled spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.
Frozen smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight.
When reheating frozen spaghetti, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator first. Reheat the thawed spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth or water to help reconstitute the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
If you plan to freeze the dish, consider undercooking the spaghetti slightly (al dente) to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, consume the frozen and reheated smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti within 1-2 months of freezing.
How to Reheat Leftover Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti
Reheat the smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the leftover spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and steaming. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to become rubbery.
To reheat the smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and develop a crispy texture.
If you have a steamer basket, you can use it to reheat the spaghetti. Bring a pot of water to a boil, place the leftover pasta in the steamer basket, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm. This method helps to retain the moisture in the pasta and prevents it from drying out.
For a more flavorful reheating experience, sauté some additional leeks or onions in a pan with a little butter or olive oil. Once the vegetables are softened, add the leftover smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti to the pan and toss to combine. Cook until the pasta is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
Interesting Trivia About Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti
Smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti is a delicious and unique combination of flavors. It offers a delightful twist to the traditional spaghetti dish by incorporating the smoky taste of turkey and the subtle sweetness of leeks. This recipe is a great way to introduce new and exciting flavors to your pasta dishes.
Budget-Friendly: Making Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti at Home
This smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The leeks and smoked turkey add a unique flavor to the dish, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20-$25. The dish offers a good balance of protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome option. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Spaghetti Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe, while tasty, has some elements that could be considered unhealthy:
- The use of butter and heavy cream adds significant amounts of saturated fat
- Smoked turkey, depending on the brand and preparation, can be high in sodium
- The recipe lacks vegetables (aside from the leeks) and fiber-rich ingredients
However, the inclusion of leeks does provide some nutritional benefits, as they are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as beneficial plant compounds.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil
- Use a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt
- Choose a low-sodium or minimally processed smoked turkey
- Increase the vegetable content by adding ingredients like spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes
- Use whole wheat spaghetti to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the overall portion size and serve with a side salad to balance the meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of this dish while minimizing the less healthy aspects. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier modifications, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and to incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your overall diet.
The Editor's Take on Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti
This smoked turkey and leeks spaghetti recipe is a delightful combination of smoky flavors and creamy richness. The leeks add a subtle sweetness, while the smoked turkey brings a depth of flavor. The use of heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. The addition of parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note, and the wine recommendations provide a thoughtful touch. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful and satisfying dish for any occasion.
Why trust this Smoked Turkey and Leeks Spaghetti Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the savory richness of smoked turkey with the delicate sweetness of leeks. The use of heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess, while the addition of chicken broth infuses depth and complexity. The dish is further elevated by the aromatic freshness of parsley and the subtle heat of fresh ground black pepper. The recommended wine pairings, such as a vibrant pinot noir or a crisp riesling, demonstrate a thoughtful consideration for enhancing the overall dining experience.
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