Chef Joel Gamoran and legendary chef and TV host, Lidia Bastianich, showed the versatility of turkey in Episode One of Season Three of Homemade Live! (“Talking Turkey”). Lidia shared the recipe for her classic Turkey Cacciatore.
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
● 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
● 1 sweet onion, sliced
● 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
● 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
● Salt for cooking pasta and seasoning
● ½ cup dry white wine
● 1 jar marinara sauce (preferably Lidia’s)
● 1½ lbs shredded cooked dark turkey meat
● 1 teaspoon dried oregano (from branch if possible)
● Red pepper flakes
● 1 lb rigatoni
● ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
● 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
TO PREPARE
STEP ONE. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper, and cook until they begin to wilt, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the mushrooms, and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Season with salt.
STEP TWO. Add the wine, and simmer until it’s reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the marinara sauce. Add 1 cup water to the sauce jar and swirl to remove any remaining sauce. Pour into the vegetable mix.
STEP THREE. Add the shredded turkey meat and oregano. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer, uncovered, until the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice throughout the cooking process. Remove majority of turkey and vegetables to a separate bowl, leaving sauce in the pot.
STEP FOUR. Cook rigatoni per package directions. Drain pasta and combine thoroughly with sauce. Stir in cheese. Transfer to large bowl.
STEP FIVE. Top pasta with turkey mixture. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
