It’s nice to be on the other side of the holidays isn’t it? I truly had my best holiday season to date and spent a lot of time resting, eating good food and spending time with loved ones.
We had the most beautiful pasture raised turkey from Meatme. But since it’s only the three of us who eat turkey (my husband is vegetarian) we had a lot of leftovers! Which is actually the best case for me as someone who loves to create in the kitchen.
We hosted a boxing day party for all my Deep Cove friends and I made up a huge batch of this turkey pilaf and everyone LOVED it. I mean, for easy this is to make (especially if you have leftovers) I thought everyone should have this recipe.
This meal is also perfectly balanced and will provide you with some good clean energy!
WHAT YOU NEED
- 1 lbs of turkey or chicken (I order all mine from Meatme). You could use breast or thigh meat.
- 1 cup of basmati rice
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 3 leeks, rinsed and chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup of chopped spinach or any dark leafy green
- 1/2 cup of pecans
- 1/2 cup of yellow raisins
FOR THE BALSAMIC DRIZZLE
- 1/2 cup of balsamic reduction (I’m obsessed with Nonna Pia’s Strawberry Fig Glaze)
- 1/4 of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of lemon
- lots of salt and pepper!
WHAT TO DO
- Start by getting the rice going. Bring the broth to a boil and add the rice.
- Cook turkey by baking in the oven or pan frying in a cast iron pan according to size and oven temp. (or use leftovers)
- Heat a large skillet with some olive oil and add the chopped leeks. Once the leeks start to soften add the crushed garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the red pepper and continue to saute for another3-4 minutes or until the red pepper has softened as well.
- Once the rice, turkey and veggies are all ready, it’s time to combine baby.
- In a large bowl, mix the rice, turkey, leek/pepper mixture with the chopped spinach, raisins and pecans.
- Drizzle on the balsamic dressing and toss until well combined.
- Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
This meal freezes extremely well and is almost better the next day. It makes the perfect make-ahead lunch. I know your whole family will love it!
xoxo Rebecca