Turkey a la King: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Turkey a la King is a creamy, savory dish featuring diced turkey, vegetables, and a rich sauce, typically served over toast, biscuits, rice, or puff pastry shells. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover turkey, especially after Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also delicious made with freshly cooked turkey. This recipe offers a delightful balance of comfort food nostalgia and satisfying flavors, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to create the perfect Turkey a la King, from ingredient selection to serving suggestions.
What is Turkey a la King? A Brief History
Turkey a la King has a somewhat debated origin, with several restaurants and chefs claiming to have invented it in the late 19th century. One popular story attributes it to Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City, naming it after a wealthy patron named Foxhall Parker Keene, often nicknamed “King.” Another version suggests it was created at the Brighton Beach Hotel, also in New York. Regardless of its exact origin, Turkey a la King quickly gained popularity as a sophisticated and comforting dish, becoming a staple in American cuisine.
Why This Turkey a la King Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful and creamy sauce without being overly heavy. It achieves this by using a combination of butter and olive oil for sautéing the vegetables, which adds depth of flavor. The use of chicken or turkey broth enhances the savory notes, while a touch of sherry (optional but highly recommended) elevates the dish with a subtle complexity. Finally, the addition of heavy cream and egg yolks creates a luxuriously smooth and rich sauce that perfectly coats the turkey and vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Turkey a la King:
* **Turkey:** 3-4 cups cooked turkey, diced. Leftover turkey is ideal, but you can also use freshly roasted or poached turkey breast.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for sautéing the vegetables and creating the roux.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil, to complement the butter and add flavor.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix)
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1/2 cup diced pimientos (optional, for color and sweetness)
* **Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, to thicken the sauce.
* **Broth:** 2 cups chicken or turkey broth, preferably low-sodium.
* **Sherry:** 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional, but adds great flavor).
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream, for richness and creaminess.
* **Egg Yolks:** 2 large egg yolks, to further enrich the sauce.
* **Seasoning:**
* Salt, to taste
* Black pepper, to taste
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for a warm, subtle flavor)
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
* **Serving Options:**
* Toast (white, wheat, or sourdough)
* Biscuits
* Rice (white or brown)
* Puff pastry shells
Equipment Needed
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Turkey a la King:
**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
* Wash and slice the mushrooms. Dice the onion and green bell pepper. If using pimientos, dice them as well. Set aside the frozen peas.
**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**
* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the onions and green bell pepper and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until they release their moisture and become tender.
**3. Make the Roux:**
* Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour.
**4. Add the Broth and Sherry:**
* Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
* Add the dry sherry (if using) and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
**5. Temper the Egg Yolks:**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg yolks until well combined. This step is crucial to prevent the egg yolks from scrambling when added to the hot sauce.
* Slowly drizzle a few tablespoons of the hot sauce into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This is called tempering and gradually raises the temperature of the egg yolks.
**6. Incorporate the Cream and Egg Yolks:**
* Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the skillet with the sauce. Stir constantly over low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause the egg yolks to curdle.
**7. Add the Turkey and Peas:**
* Add the diced cooked turkey and frozen peas to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through, about 3-5 minutes. If using pimientos, add them now as well.
**8. Season to Taste:**
* Season the Turkey a la King with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
**9. Serve:**
* Serve the Turkey a la King hot over toast, biscuits, rice, or puff pastry shells. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey a la King
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality broth, and flavorful turkey.
* **Don’t Skip the Sherry:** While optional, the dry sherry adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish. If you don’t have sherry, you can substitute it with dry white wine or a splash of lemon juice.
* **Temper the Egg Yolks Carefully:** Tempering the egg yolks is essential to prevent them from scrambling. Make sure to slowly drizzle the hot sauce into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
* **Don’t Boil the Sauce After Adding the Egg Yolks:** Boiling the sauce after adding the egg yolks can cause them to curdle. Keep the heat on low and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Make Ahead:** Turkey a la King can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Chicken a la King:** Replace the turkey with cooked chicken for a classic variation.
* **Seafood a la King:** Use cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster for a luxurious seafood version.
* **Vegetarian a la King:** Substitute the turkey with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
* **Spicy Turkey a la King:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Different Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or corn.
* **Dairy-Free Turkey a la King:** Use a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and omit the egg yolks. You may need to use a different thickener, such as cornstarch or arrowroot starch, to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey a la King is traditionally served over toast, biscuits, rice, or puff pastry shells. Here are some additional serving suggestions:
* **Toast Points:** Cut slices of bread into triangles and toast them until golden brown.
* **Buttermilk Biscuits:** Serve with warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Serve over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf.
* **Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vents:** Fill pre-made puff pastry shells with the Turkey a la King for an elegant presentation.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For a heartier meal, serve over mashed potatoes.
* **Pasta:** Toss with cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or penne.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on a recipe using 4 cups of turkey and serving 6):
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Turkey a la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
* **Freeze:** While not ideal due to the dairy content which can sometimes separate upon thawing, you can freeze Turkey a la King. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may be slightly different after freezing and thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* **Can I use canned mushrooms?** Yes, you can use canned mushrooms, but fresh mushrooms will provide a better flavor.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?** Yes, Turkey a la King can be made ahead of time and reheated.
* **Can I freeze Turkey a la King?** Yes, but the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
* **What can I substitute for sherry?** If you don’t have sherry, you can substitute it with dry white wine or a splash of lemon juice.
* **How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?** Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce.
Conclusion
Turkey a la King is a classic dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or creating a comforting meal from scratch. With its creamy sauce, tender turkey, and flavorful vegetables, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure that your Turkey a la King turns out perfectly every time. Enjoy!