Imagine a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet, transforming ordinary turkey into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Turkey and Apricot Bake is not just another dinner recipe - it's a flavor explosion that combines tender turkey, rich chicken stock, and the unexpected sweetness of dried apricots. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a delicious weeknight meal that breaks away from boring, traditional recipes, this British-inspired dish is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g turkey breast, diced
- 100g dried apricots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 300ml chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the turkey and apricot bake will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare all your ingredients. Dice the turkey breast into bite-sized pieces, chop the dried apricots, and finely chop the onion. Dice the carrots into small cubes for even cooking.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots to the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots should begin to soften.
- Once the onions and carrots are cooked, add the diced turkey breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned on all sides.
- Stir in the chopped dried apricots and mix well to combine all the ingredients. The sweetness of the apricots will complement the savory turkey.
- Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Transfer the turkey and apricot mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, which will help keep the moisture in during cooking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the turkey to cook through.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help to slightly brown the top and create a delicious texture.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the Turkey and Apricot Bake warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh turkey breast for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure your apricots are plump and moist - they'll add incredible depth to the dish.
- Don't rush the sautéing process. Properly caramelizing onions and carrots builds a rich flavor foundation.
- Season generously but carefully - the chicken stock will also contribute to the overall saltiness.
- Use aluminum foil during initial baking to keep the meat moist and prevent over-browning.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and juices to redistribute.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine or cream to the chicken stock.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aromatic complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 236kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
