I think we can all agree that it’s a great time for easy, accessible recipes right now. Recipes where the ingredients are easy to find, easy to work with and easily made delicious. This turkey recipe is just that.
I’ve long been a fan of one pot/pan meals, because there is less cleanup, which we can all agree is amazing; but also because one pot/pan meals means that we retain all the flavour in the cooking process. One pan/pot meal equals better tasting food.
Now let’s talk turkey.
I love cooking meats with the bone in because this means a juicier end result,; as cooking any meat on the bone tends to be. A bonus is the leftover bones can then be used to make stock.
This recipe hinges on the turkey breast, which is generous in portion, while the vegetables used in this one pot wonder can be substituted easily, keeping one consideration in mind – similar roasting times for the vegetables.
In process, this recipe is as straightforward as an easy dinner gets. Sear the turkey skin side down for 7 minutes, flip it and sear for an additional 5 minutes. While this is happening, break down the broccoli into florets, quarter the cabbage and make the Maple Thyme Glaze. Toss the broccoli and cabbage in the glaze (reserving some for the meat), add the vegetables to pan, glaze the turkey and bake. It couldn’t be easier or more delicious.
Sweet Maple Thyme Turkey and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lb skin-on, bone-in split turkey breasts
- 1 small Napa Cabbage, quartered
- 1 head broccoli, cut into big florets
- ¼ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup olive oil + 1 tsp - 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ cup thyme leaves
- 1 ½ tsp salt
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Heat 1 tsp of oil in a non-stick, oven safe skillet on medium high heat. Season the turkey with ½ tsp of salt and place in the skillet skin side down. Cook for 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix together the maple syrup, remaining olive oil, paprika, thyme and salt.
Flip the turkey. Then toss the broccoli and cabbage with the glaze, reserving about a ⅓ to glaze the turkey.
Arrange the vegetables in the pan with turkey, glaze with sauce and place in the oven for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve, in the pan, with any remaining glaze (or make more).