Cheery Cherry Turkey Loaf
This flavorful Cheery Cherry Turkey Loaf combines ground turkey with savory vegetables and tart cherries, creating a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Ideal for families or dinner parties, the turkey loaf is easy to prepare and makes a delicious, hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with a side salad or roasted potatoes. The combination of fresh herbs, brown rice, and sweet-tart cherries adds a unique twist to traditional meatloaf, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Recipe Category: Poultry
Cuisine Type: Kosher
Keywords: Fruit, Vegetable, Meat, Kosher, Under 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Cooked brown rice | 2 1/2 cups |
| Scallion (chopped) | 1 |
| Egg | 1 |
| Red wine | 3/4 cup |
| Dried tart cherry | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 8 tsp |
| Fresh sage (chopped) | 2 leaves |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Zucchini (shredded) | 1 medium |
| Frozen peas | 2 cups |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 544.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 20.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 187.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 698.7 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 51.4 g |
| Fiber Content | 7.1 g |
| Sugar Content | 12.6 g |
| Protein Content | 39.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside for later use.
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Mix the turkey and other ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked brown rice, scallions, egg, red wine, dried tart cherries, fresh thyme, dried thyme, sage, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until well-combined. This will form the base of your turkey loaf.
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Prepare the sautéed vegetable mixture: Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped scallions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant.
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Add zucchini and peas: Stir in the shredded zucchini and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly. Add the peas and continue to sauté for about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
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Layer the turkey loaf: Spoon half of the turkey mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to create an even layer. Next, spread the zucchini and pea mixture evenly over the turkey layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
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Finish the loaf: Add the remaining turkey mixture over the zucchini and pea layer, smoothing it with a spatula to ensure an even top.
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Bake the turkey loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the loaf is fully cooked and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
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Garnish and serve: Once the loaf is done, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and additional dried tart cherries if desired. Allow the loaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Slice and serve: Cut the loaf into thick slices and serve warm. This turkey loaf pairs wonderfully with a light salad or mashed potatoes, making it a great meal for any occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- Leftovers: This turkey loaf keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze individual slices for later use.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the turkey for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add garlic, red pepper flakes, or a handful of spinach to the sautéed vegetable mixture.
Enjoy this Cheery Cherry Turkey Loaf from Love With Recipes—it’s an easy, delicious, and nutritious dish that will satisfy your family’s hunger and taste buds!
