Christmas turkey is a staple on holiday tables in Peru, where it is often stuffed and served with colorful Christmas rice. This festive dish showcases typical Peruvian ingredients, such as spices and dried fruits, with a sweet and savory stuffing. Peruvian Christmas rice, enhanced with vegetables and raisins, perfectly complements this stuffed turkey for a complete and elegant meal that is naturally gluten-free and ideal for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Preparation
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For the Turkey:
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To prepare the filling: In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the ground meat and brown it. Then add the diced apple, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
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Prepare the turkey: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Rub the turkey with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brush it with orange and lemon juice. Fill the turkey cavity with the stuffing, then close it by sewing or using toothpicks.
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Cooking the turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan and coat it with melted butter or olive oil. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (approximately 40 minutes per kilogram), basting it every hour with the pan juices. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to brown the skin. The turkey is ready when it is golden brown and the juices run clear.
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For the rice:
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Sauté the vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add the rice and peas: Stir in the rice and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains with oil. Then add the peas and raisins.
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Cooking the rice: Pour the hot chicken broth into the saucepan, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish and serve: Top the rice with chopped parsley or cilantro for a touch of freshness. This colorful and fragrant rice is the perfect accompaniment to Christmas turkey.
