Turkey Lentil Ragout Recipes

LENTIL RAGOUT

Steps:

• In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, heat oil and cook onion and garlic together for 7 to 8 minutes.
• Add lentils, broth, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper to saucepan. Simmer 20 minutes.
• Slice turnips in half and cut carrots into 2-inch lengths. Cut green onions into 1-inch pieces.
• Add turnips and carrots to saucepan and cook 10 minutes.
• Add peas and green onions and cook for 5 minutes more.

TURKEY LENTIL RAGOUT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350º.
• Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the turkey, bread crumbs, half the garlic, 3 Tsp of mint, parsley, paprika, cumin, cloves, cayenne, the 3/4 teaspoons salt and the 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well. Divide the mixture into 24 equal portions and form each into a meatball. Place on a baking sheet (cover with foil to speed clean up) and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
• Meanwhile, remove and discard any damaged lentils or stones. Rinse the lentils. Set aside. (Soaking lentils in water will speed up their cooking time. If you do, drain them before cooking).
• In a large saute pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot and the remaining garlic and saute, stirring until the onion is soft, about 10 minutes. Add the lentils, 1 cup of the reserved tomato juice and the chicken stock and simmer gently, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes longer. Keep tasting the lentils to make sure they are cooked enough.
• Chop enough tomatoes to measure 1 cup; reserve the remaining tomatoes for another meal. Add the meatballs and chopped tomatoes to the lentils and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, or increase the heat by adding more cayenne (or hot paprika if you have some).
• Ladle into bowls, garnish with remaining 5 Tblsps of mint (or parsley) and serve.

TURKEY RAGù

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring, until golden and most of the fat has rendered, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Add the oil to the skillet. Stir in the carrot, celery, onion, garlic and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft and a little golden in spots, about 7 minutes. Scrape the mixture onto a plate.
• Add the turkey to skillet and cook, breaking up meat with a fork, until golden and cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Return pancetta and vegetables to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the wine; cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until it is mostly evaporated. Add the crushed tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Serve over pasta, topped with a dollop of ricotta.