Funky Bird (a.k.a. Southwestern Turkey Breast)

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Rated 5 stars out of 5
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  • Read 21 Reviews
Total Time:
3 hr 0 min
Prep
30 min
Cook
2 hr 30 min
Yield:
6 to 8 servings
Level:
--
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Ingredients

Brine:

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onions
  • 2 oranges, halved
  • 2 jalapenos, minced (with their seeds)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
  • 1 (6 1/2 pound) whole turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
  • Poblano Chocolate Mole, recipe follows

Directions

In a large non reactive container, combine lemon juice, orange juice, kosher salt, light brown sugar, yellow onions, oranges, jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano with 1 gallon water and stir to dissolve the sugar and salt. Put the turkey in a large colander and rinse under cold, running water, then add the turkey breast to the brine, cover, and refrigerate, turning occasionally, for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Remove the turkey from the brine and put it breast side up in a large, heavy roasting pan and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey with vegetable oil and sprinkle both sides with Essence. Roast until deep golden brown and an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F., about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Poblano Chocolate Mole:

To roast the peppers, place them directly on the burners of a gas stove over medium heat and turn them frequently with tongs until all sides are charred black, 7 to 10 minutes. (Alternatively, the peppers can be roasted under a broiler or over a hot gas or charcoal grill.) Transfer the peppers to a plastic or paper bag, seal the bag, and let cool for about 15 minutes. Peel the peppers, remove the seeds and stems, and coarsely chop the flesh.

Roast the onion halves over medium heat, using the same procedure, until the cut surfaces are lightly charred and the onion is slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Remove and discard the root ends from the onions; coarsely chop the onions.

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the pistachios, pumpkinseeds, and pine nuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are browned. Add the peppers, onions, chili powder, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper and stir for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and cilantro and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Add the cream, stir well, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender. Serve over the sliced turkey.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 21 reviews

  • on November 23, 2012

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    Best bird I ever made! Perfectly cooked, seasoned, moist, and tasted awesome!!! I gave it 5 stars only because I can't give it 11!

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  • on July 16, 2012

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    OMG! So delicious!! But then again, every brined bird I've done via Emeril has turned out fabulous.. Now, there was a hitch, but on our part. My mom brought over a turkey in a salt solution, so it was a bit too salty. Wish I'd soaked the turkey longer. Even though too salty, it's soooo good!

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on December 19, 2011

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    This is now a yearly favorite with my family. I love it!!

    people found this review Helpful.
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