Turkey with Tuna Sauce (Tacchino Tonnè)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
If you’re looking for a dish that combines tender turkey with a rich, creamy sauce that blends the flavors of tuna, anchovies, and capers, look no further than this classic Italian Tacchino Tonnè. Perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or a special dinner, this dish offers a delightful contrast between the succulent turkey and the zesty tuna sauce.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Anchovies (Alici) | 6 fillets |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Canned tuna in oil | 200g |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 3 |
| White wine | 500ml |
| Vegetable broth | as needed |
| Turkey breast | 800g |
| Pickled capers | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetable broth
Start by preparing the vegetable broth. This will be used to cook the turkey, allowing the meat to soak up the flavors from the herbs and vegetables. If you have homemade broth, even better, but a good-quality store-bought version will also do.
Step 2: Tie the turkey
Take the turkey breast and tie it into a compact roast using kitchen twine (2 to 3 pieces of twine). This will help the turkey cook evenly, ensuring a juicy and tender outcome. If you’re unsure how to tie the roast, there are plenty of guides available online that show you how to do it properly.
Step 3: Cook the turkey
Place the tied turkey breast in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the carrot, celery, onion, rosemary, bay leaves, and cloves. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil, and then add enough vegetable broth to cover the turkey completely. Add the white wine to the pot to enhance the depth of flavor.
Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it cook gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the turkey is fully cooked and tender. To check for doneness, insert a skewer or knife into the thickest part of the turkey breast. If the liquid that emerges is clear, your turkey is done. If it’s pink, continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
Step 4: Let the turkey cool
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest in the cooking liquid for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the turkey from drying out, and the broth will keep it moist. After it cools, remove the string using scissors and set the turkey aside on a cutting board.
Step 5: Prepare the tuna sauce (Salsa Tonnata)
While the turkey cools, it’s time to make the luscious tuna sauce. In a large bowl, crumble the canned tuna and chop the anchovies into small pieces. Add the capers and the hard-boiled eggs, which should be finely chopped (you can cut them into roughly 10-11 pieces each).
Next, dilute the mixture with a bit of olive oil and a ladle of the turkey cooking broth. Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until smooth. The consistency should be creamy but not too thick—add more broth if needed.
Step 6: Slice the turkey
Once the turkey has cooled, slice it into thin, even slices using a sharp knife or an electric slicer if you have one. Arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter, ensuring that the meat is spread evenly across the plate.
Step 7: Assemble the dish
Generously spoon the prepared tuna sauce over the turkey slices. Make sure each piece of turkey is well-covered with the creamy, flavorful sauce. For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with a few additional capers or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Serving Suggestions
Tacchino Tonnè is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it cold as part of a buffet or a picnic spread.
This Turkey with Tuna Sauce is not only a flavorful meal but also a perfect way to showcase the richness of Italian cooking with simple yet elegant ingredients. Enjoy this dish with friends and family, and savor the delicious contrast between the tender turkey and the creamy, tangy tuna sauce.
