Friday, April 25, 2014

Braised Turkey Beer Tacos

TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES
Makes 12 tacos
Skinless turkey thighs and drumsticks are packed with flavor; they're also low in fat and high in protein and essential minerals like selenium.  Braise the meat in beer until ultra-tender, then shreds it for tacos. "It's also fabulous in a sandwich."
2              tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2-            1 pound bone-in turkey thighs or drumsticks, skin and fat removed
               **Salt and freshly ground pepper**
4             large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1             medium white onion, cut into 1-inch dice, plus minced white onion, for serving
1             large oregano sprig
1             large jalapeño
stemmed, seeded and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
1            medium tomato, coarsely chopped
1            ancho chile
stemmed, seeded and coarsely chopped or torn
1            2-inch cinnamon stick
1            12-ounce bottle Mexican dark beer, such as Modelo Negro
1            cup water
12          corn tortillas
2            tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs, for serving


1.     In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season the turkey with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until richly browned all over, about 8 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a plate.
2.      Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the casserole along with the garlic, diced onion, oregano and jalapeño and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Add the tomato, ancho and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, until the tomato releases its juices.
3.      Return the turkey to the casserole, add the beer and water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat, turning once, until the turkey thighs are tender, about 1 hour. Transfer the turkey to a plate and let cool. Discard the oregano sprig and cinnamon stick and boil the sauce over high heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 12 minutes.
4.       Preheat the oven to 350°. Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for about 8 minutes, until softened and heated through. Remove the turkey meat and shred it. Transfer the sauce to a food processor and puree. Return the sauce to the pot and stir in the shredded turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the turkey onto the tortillas.

5.       Top with minced onion, sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs and serve.

Make ahead:
The shredded braised turkey can be refrigerated in the sauce for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.

4 comments:

  1. Dear Nee, These look so yummy! I love Tacos. I never thought of making them with turkey or even turkey drumstick/thighs! I have always make them with beef or chicken once in a while. All your ingredients must make this dish ultra delicious. I love the cinnamon stick and the beer with it. Lots of layers of flavors and textures. I also love the sesame seeds on top. This one I will try for sure. Thanks for sharing....Blessings on a great weekend...Dottie :)

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  2. Hello dear Dottie ,
    I was tired of the same old hamburger meat tacos , and this is what I came up with . Like I always say you can take a recipe that you like and make it your own . If you can't find the Mexican beer , you can use any dark beer . What's so great about these tacos , you can make as many or as few as you like . Thanks for stopping by and lessing to you Dottie for a great weekend ...Nee :)

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  3. Replies
    1. Hi Medeja , beer give them a kick , Thanks for stopping by :)

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