Smothered Turkey Necks Dish: A Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe

Smothered Turkey Necks Dish is a comforting and hearty meal that brings warmth to any table. Growing up, I remember the tantalizing aroma wafting through the kitchen as my family prepared this beloved recipe. Smothered turkey necks have deep roots in Southern cuisine, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also embodies a sense of togetherness and tradition.

People love this dish for its tender texture and savory taste, as the turkey necks become incredibly succulent when slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy. The combination of spices and herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the convenience of preparing smothered turkey necks makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday dinners. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds turkey necks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (optional)
• 1 cup chopped celery (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Turkey Necks

1. Start by rinsing the turkey necks under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large bowl, season the turkey necks with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned turkey necks. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step adds depth to the flavor.

Building the Flavor Base

4. Once the turkey necks are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6. If you’re using mushrooms, carrots, and celery, add them to the pot now. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Creating the Smothering Sauce

7. Return the browned turkey necks to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring the turkey necks are mostly submerged.
8. Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
9. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process will make the turkey necks tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Thickening the Sauce (Optional)

10. After the turkey necks have simmered for the desired time, check for tenderness. They should be fork-tender and falling off the bone.
11. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into the pot while the sauce is simmering. Allow it to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Final Touches

12. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more soy sauce for extra flavor.
13. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it. This step is crucial as bay leaves can be tough and are not meant to be eaten.
14. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It adds a lovely contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

15. Serve the smothered turkey necks hot over a bed of fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. The sauce is perfect for soaking into the starches, making every bite delicious.
16. Pair the dish with steamed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the turkey necks.
    

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, this Smothered Turkey Necks dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The rich, savory flavors combined with the tender meat create a meal that is not only satisfying but also deeply comforting. Whether you serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or with a side of buttery cornbread, the possibilities are endless. You can even switch things up by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the dish to your liking. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this Smothered Turkey Necks dish has become a staple in my kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let me know how it turned out for you! I can’t wait to hear about your variations and serving suggestions. Happy cooking!
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    Smothered Turkey Necks Dish: A Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe

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    • Author: Dottie
    • Total Time: 135 minutes
    • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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    Description

    Tender turkey necks simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, perfect for a comforting meal. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a hearty dish.

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    Ingredients

    Scale 1x2x3x

    • 2 pounds turkey necks
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup water
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
    • 1 cup chopped carrots (optional)
    • 1 cup chopped celery (optional)
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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    Instructions

    1. Rinse the turkey necks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
    2. Season the turkey necks with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring even coating.
    3. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned turkey necks for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
    4. In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
    5. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
    6. If using, add mushrooms, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
    7. Return the browned turkey necks to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and water, ensuring the necks are mostly submerged.
    8. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
    9. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
    10. Check for tenderness; the turkey necks should be fork-tender.
    11. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir into the pot and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.
    12. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
    13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
    14. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Pair with steamed greens or a fresh salad.

    Notes

    • Adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially the salt and pepper.
    • Feel free to add more vegetables to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 120 minutes