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Pickle Juice Brined Turkey

Pickle Juice Brined Turkey
Prep Time
12 to 24 hours, plus 4 hours cook time
Number of Servings
Serves 12
Ingredients
  • 15 lb. turkey
  • 6 cups pickle brine (leftover from approx. 3 jars of Bubbies pickles - can use Kosher dillbread and butter chips of a mix of both)
  • 6 cups water (or more to cover turkey)
  • 1 cup salt
  • [q:1/2] cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp peppercorns
  • 2 tsp celery seeds
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 lemons, quartered
  • 10 cloves of garlic
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill
  • [q:1/2] cup butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Add turkey to a large pot. Add pickle brine, water (enough to cover the turkey completely - this varies depending on the size of the pot and turkey), salt, brown sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns and celery seeds.
  2. It’s important to make sure the turkey is fully submerged in the brine, so if you need to, set something heavy on top to keep it submerged.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 500˚F and prep a roasting pan.
  5. Remove turkey from brine and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towel.
  6. Stuff the cavity with quartered onion, lemons, garlic and dill.
  7. Use your fingers to loosen and lift the skin on the breast. Tuck the wings under the bird and use twine to tie the legs together.Brush the entire turkey liberally with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Roast for 30 minutes at 500˚F, then cover turkey with aluminum foil (to prevent skin from burning) and reduce heat to 350˚F.
  9. Roast for about 3 hours, until the temperature reaches 165˚ in the thickest part of the turkey breast.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes.
  11. Optional: brush with more melted butter before serving.
Nutrition Info
673 Calories, 90 g Protein, 320 mg Cholesterol, 2 g Carbohydrates, 2 g Total sugars (1 g Added sugars), 0 g Fiber, 31 g Total fat (11 g sat), 992 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Zinc, [nutrition:2] Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, [nutrition:1] Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Mostly Moussaka

Mostly Moussaka
Turkey Chili with a Greek Influence
Prep Time
1 hour
Number of Servings
Serves 6
Ingredients
  • [q:1/2] cup olive oil
  • 2 leeks OR 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 medium eggplant, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp mint
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice blend
    • 4 tsp cinnamon
    • 2 tsp ground ginger
    • 1 tsp ground cloves
    • [q:1/2] tsp ground nutmeg
  • [q:1/2] tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • [q:1/2] tsp black pepper
  • [q:1/2] cup dry white wine
  • 2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
  • Heat oil in large skillet or stock pot that has a lid, brown onions, turkey, and garlic.
  • Add vegetables, spices, wine, and tomato paste. Stir often and use lid to help steam ingredients. Simmer until everything is soft, about 45 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Info
382 Calories, 19 g Protein, 19 g Carbohydrates, 6 g Fiber, 25 g Total fat (5 g sat), 513 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin B6, C, [nutrition:4] Vitamin B3 (niacin), [nutrition:3] Vitamin B12, K, Phosphorus, [nutrition:2] Vitamin E, Zinc, [nutrition:1] Vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), Calcium, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium

Turkey Lentil Sloppy Joes with Quick Cabbage Slaw

Turkey Lentil Sloppy Joes with Quick Cabbage Slaw
Prep Time
55 min prep time
Number of Servings
serves 8 in regular-sized buns, serves 16 in mini-slider buns
Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joes

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about [q:1/2] cup)
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 cups cooked green or brown lentils (or 1 19-oz can, rinsed and drained)
  • 3 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 sp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • [q:1/2] tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp hot sauce

For the Slaw

  • 4 cups chopped red cabbage (about 1 small cabbage)
  • 1 large carrot, peeled
  • 3 green onions, ends trimmed and thinly sliced
  • [q:1/2] cup mayonnaise
  • [q:1/4] cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp liquid honey
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • Kosher salt

For Serving

  • 8 whole-wheat dinner rolls or hamburger buns (split in half and toasted)*
Directions
  1. In a large cast iron, stainless steel, or nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, season with a pinch of salt and sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  2. Crumble ground turkey into skillet and stir to combine, cooking until browned. Add lentils, chili powder, oregano, cumin, pepper, and tomato paste and stir, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to infuse turkey and lentils with spices.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes. Check seasonings and add more salt if needed.
  4. While meat mixture is cooking, make slaw. Place cabbage in a medium bowl and, using a vegetable peeler, shave carrot into ribbons. Add carrot and green onions to bowl and toss with clean hands to combine.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and celery seed. Pour over cabbage and toss to combine. Finish with a pinch of salt.
  6. Spoon Sloppy Joes onto split and toasted rolls. Top with slaw and serve at once.
Nutrition Info

Per serving (serves 1 minislider): 309 Calories, 15 g Protein, 39 g Carbohydrates, 5 g Fiber, 11 g Total fat (2 g sat), 437 mg Sodium, [nutrition:3] Vitamin B6, Folate, [nutrition:2] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), C, D, Iron, Phosphorus, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B12, E, K, Potassium, Zinc

Asian Turkey Meatballs

Asian Turkey Meatballs
with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce
Prep Time
3 hrs prep time
Number of Servings
4
Ingredients
  • Meatballs

    • 1 to [q:1 1/4] lb lean ground turkey
    • [q:1/4] cup finely chopped green onions (about 3)
    • [q:1/4] cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or fresh parsley (about [q:1/2] bunch)
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
    • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
    • [q:3/4] cup whole-wheat panko bread crumbs
  • Dipping Sauce

    • [q:1/2] cup low-sodium soy sauce
    • [q:1/2] cup honey
    • 3 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
    • 2 green onions, sliced
    • [q:1 1/2] Tbsp grated fresh ginger
    • Pinch of red pepper flakes
    • Cooked brown rice, for serving (optional)
Directions

Make It Now:

Meatballs

  1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. In a large bowl, combine turkey, green onions, cilantro, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix well using your hands. Shape turkey mixture into roughly [q:1 1/2]-inch-diameter (tablespoon-size) meatballs and place them on prepared baking sheet.
  2. Position top oven rack about 6 inches below broiler. Preheat broiler. Broil meatballs for 4 to 5 minutes, until they are browned on outside and some fat is rendered. (They will not be cooked through yet.)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, stir together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, oil, onions, ginger, and pepper flakes.
  2. Transfer meatballs to slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours. (The meatballs are done when they register at least 165° internally.)
  3. Serve with dipping sauce from slow cooker on side, or over brown rice, with dipping sauce drizzled over top.

Freeze For Later:

  1. Follow Step 1.
  2. Place the raw meatballs (do not broil the meatballs before freezing them, as it is not safe to freeze partially cooked meat) in even layers in a gallon-size freezer bag or container, being careful not to smash them; use parchment paper to separate the layers, if needed.
  3. Seal and freeze flat. Add all the dipping sauce ingredients into a quart-size freezer bag or container. Seal, shake to combine, and freeze alongside the meatballs.

Prepare From Frozen:

  1. Thaw.
  2. Follow Step 2.
  3. Transfer the dipping sauce to the slow cooker, and then follow steps 4 and 5.
Nutrition Info
Without brown rice: 447 Calories, 29 g Protein, 47 g Carbohydrates, 1 g Fiber, 17 g Total fat (4 g sat), 1,507 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, [nutrition:4] ​Phosphorus, [nutrition:3] ​Zinc, [nutrition:2] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin K, [nutrition:1] Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium

Jumpin’ Jambalaya

Jumpin’ Jambalaya
Prep Time
[q:1 1/2] hours prep time
Number of Servings
Serves 9
Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 14 oz low-fat turkey kielbasa
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 medium celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 small onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 small bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • [q:1 1/2] cup uncooked brown rice
  • 4 cup water
  • 2 cubes low-sodium chicken bouillon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • [q:1 1/2] tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Directions
  1. Cut chicken and kielbasa into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Spray a medium-size pan with nonstick cooking spray. Brown sausage and chicken over medium heat and remove from pan.
  3. Add celery, onions, garlic, green onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes to same pot and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
  4. Put cooked meat back into pot; add rice, water, chicken bouillon cubes, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 50 minutes or until water has evaporated.
  5. Stir in parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Info
1 cup: 342 Calories, 20 g Protein, 32 g Carbohydrates, 3 g Fiber, 15 g Total fat (5 g sat), 635 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin B3 (niacin), B6, [nutrition:4] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), K, Phosphorus, [nutrition:2] Vitamin C, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B12, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc

Sweet Potato and Mustard Turkey Burgers

Sweet Potato and Mustard Turkey Burgers
Prep Time
40 min prep time
Number of Servings
Makes 4 to 6 burgers
Ingredients
  • [q:1/2] cup grated yellow onion
  • 1 cup grated peeled sweet potato
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • [q:1/2] cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • [q:1/3] cup spinach, finely chopped
  • [q:1/2] cup gluten-free whole-grain mustard
  • [q:1/2] tsp sea salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Use the grating attachment on your food processor and grate onion and sweet potato. You can also do this by hand with a box grater.
  3. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until everything is well combined.
  4. Measure [q:1/4] to [q:1/2] cup of burger meat and shape into a patty. Place on baking sheet and repeat.
  5. Bake in oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top begins to get slightly golden. You can flip burgers halfway through cooking time if you want even caramelization on both sides.
  6. These burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. You can also make a big batch and keep them in the freezer for 3 to 4 months for a quick meal option.
Nutrition Info
Per Burger: 151 Calories, 16 g Protein, 7 g Carbohydrates, 2 g Fiber, 7 g Total fat (2 g sat), 322 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin K, [nutrition:3] Vitamin B3 (niacin), B6, B12, [nutrition:2] Vitamin A, Phosphorus, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), C, Zinc

Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna

Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna
Prep Time
90 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 9
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • [q:3 1/2] cups (28 oz) 1% milk
  • [q:1/4] tsp salt
  • Pinch each pepper and nutmeg
  • 9 sheets (8 oz) oven-ready noodles
  • [q:1 1/2] cups (6 oz) chopped cooked turkey breast
  • 4 cups (1 lb) chopped roasted butternut squash
  • [q:1/2] lb spinach, steamed and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup (8 oz) part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) Italian cheese blend, divided
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions
  1. Heat oil and butter in skillet set over medium heat; cook onion, garlic, sage and thyme for about 5 minutes or until softened. Sprinkle flour over top; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread [q:1/2] cup sauce evenly over bottom of greased 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Place 3 noodles over sauce. Spread 1 cup sauce, half of the turkey, butternut squash, spinach and ricotta over top; sprinkle with [q:1/3] cup cheese. Repeat layers. Place remaining 3 noodles over top; spread remaining sauce evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  4. Cover tightly with foil; bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
  5. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Info
305 calories, 10 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 42 mg cholesterol, 287 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 9 g sugars, 21 g protein

Leftover Turkey Frittata

Leftover Turkey Frittata
Prep Time
45 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 8
Ingredients
  • 2 oz ditalini
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (4 oz) leftover green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • [q:1 1/2] cups (6 oz) leftover turkey, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
  • [q:1 1/2] cups (6 oz) leftover pearl onions
  • [q:1 1/2] cups (8 oz) leftover stuffing
  • 6 large eggs, beaten
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini according to package directions. Drain and reserve.
  3. Heat an 8- or 9-inch sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter and coat the bottom of the pan. Strew the green beans, turkey, pearl onions, stuffing, and pasta around the pan. Pour the eggs over.
  4. Cook until just starting to brown along the bottom (about 2 minutes). Transfer to the oven and continue to cook until the eggs are set (about 20 minutes). Allow to cool slightly before cutting into 8 wedges.
Nutrition Info
205 Calories, 11 g Protein, 139 mg Cholesterol, 16 g Carbohydrates, 3 g Total sugars (0 g Added sugars), 1 g Fiber, 10 g Total fat (3 g sat), 252 mg Sodium, [nutrition:2] Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, [nutrition:1] Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Folate, Zinc

Leftover Turkey Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Cranberries

Leftover Turkey Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Cranberries
Prep Time
20 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 6
Ingredients
  • 9 oz wide egg noodles
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • [q:1 1/2] cups (8 oz) finely chopped onion
  • [q:1 1/2] cups (4 oz) sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 6 Tbsp (3 oz) dry white wine
  • 6 Tbsp (2 oz) dried cranberries, preferably unsweetened
  • 3 cups (12 oz) shredded cooked white and dark meat turkey
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 12 oz reduced fat sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Directions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and reserve.
  2. Place a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and sauté the onions and mushrooms until softened and starting to brown (about 8 minutes).
  3. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, and add the cranberries. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 2 minutes).
  4. Stir in the turkey, Dijon mustard, and sour cream. Remove from heat.
  5. Adjust seasoning to taste. Divide the noodles between 6 bowls and top with stroganoff mixture. Sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition Info
446 Calories, 26 g Protein, 106 mg Cholesterol, 48 g Carbohydrates, 11 g Total sugars (0 g Added sugars), 3 g Fiber, 16 g Total fat (7 g sat), 160 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin B3 (niacin), [nutrition:4] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Phosphorus, [nutrition:2] Zinc, [nutrition:1] Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium