Recipe Categories
Fowl & Poultry
Turkey
Stuffing & Dressing
Whole Turkeys
Whole Turkey Breasts
Lynn's Breast Cajun Gravy
2 x boneless turkey breasts - (abt 3 lbs ea) see * Note
SPICE MIX
3 tsp paprika
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp cayenne
3 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
5 x garlic cloves minced
1/4 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
BASTING LIQUID
3 tbl Dijon or Creole Mustard
4 tbl beer
(preferably a well-flavored lager or ale)
CAJUN GRAVY
4 tbl butter
1/2 cup minced onion
1/3 cup minced celery
1/3 cup minced green pepper
2 x garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup flour
2 can low sodium chicken broth - (15 oz ea)
(or 1 qt homemade poultry stock)
1 x bay leaf
1 tsp chile flakes (optional, as this gives this gravy a kick!)
1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
Salt to taste
Method :
* Note: If boneless turkey breasts are not available from the butcher, you can
buy a bone-in turkey breast and remove the breasts yourself. Simply cut down the
side of the breast bone and then separate the meat from the carcass by cutting
between the meat and the bone. Leave the skin attached to the breast.
Dry both turkey breasts thoroughly.
Mix all the ingredients for the Spice Mix. Sprinkle the spice mix on all
surfaces of the breasts. (Be sure to sprinkle some of the spice mix on the flap
of meat on the side opposite the skin side.) Let rest for 10 to 30 minutes in
the refrigerator.
Mix ingredients for the Basting Liquid. Lightly brush a small amount of basting
liquid on all surfaces of the turkey breasts. Be careful not to brush away the
spice mixture - it may be easier to dab on basting liquid.
Place the turkey breasts skin-side up in a preheated Char-Broil smoker. Use any
nut or fruit wood, with the exception of mesquite which would overpower the
turkey. Smoke over hot water with 5 bay leaves, or beer with 5 bay leaves.
Approximately every 30 minutes, baste lightly with the basting liquid. Be
careful not to wash off the spice mix. The turkey breast is done when an instant
read thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the breast, reads 165
degrees. The breast will take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to cook. Slice and serve.
For the Cajun Gravy: In a medium saucepan, saute onion, celery, and garlic in
butter over moderate heat until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and flour
and mix until well incorporated. Continue to cook over moderate heat, stirring
frequently, until the mixture is a light brown color (it will take about 5
minutes).
Add 1 cup of the stock or broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a
whisk. Add remaining stock or broth and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add
bay leaf, chile flakes, and black pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring
frequently. If a thicker gravy is desired, simply let boil and reduce slightly.
Add salt where necessary
This recipe yields 6 servings.