Turkey for two! Turkey for me, and turkey for you!
That’s right; while you guys are planning your gigantic Thanksgiving dinner menus, I’ll be over here in my little ‘for two’ world making you a small Thanksgiving dinner. I mean, not too small because we want leftovers. We definitely want leftovers. But we’re not going to be wrestling a 20-pound turkey into a half-nelson with buttery hands, cleaning collard greens in the washing machine, or shucking corn until our fingers bleed. No, no, no. We’re going to make a moderately-sized spread, and because we’re not using every pot and pan in the house, we’re going to make each dish special.
I moved states away from my family about 9 years ago, and so for 9 years, Thanksgiving time has been ‘travel time.’ As much as I love seeing my family and eating my parents famous Thanksgiving dinners that people drive for hours from all over Texas to eat, flying is just no fun to me. Plus, flying from California to Texas was never less than $600, no matter when I booked. But this year is fantastic because since I pushed a tiny human out of my body, everyone deemed me unfit to fly. People are coming to ME this year. Hallelujah! And despite the fact that I want to dip everyone in bleach as they walk off the plane before they touch Camille (kidding…kind of), I’m so dang happy to have everyone here!
My husband had the brilliant idea to rent a gigantic house in wine country, and host everyone there. It’s close enough to our home that we can come back if we need something, but big enough to hold everyone. Plus, we get to see so much more of each other when we’re all under the same roof.
So, let’s talk turkey! I love that boneless, skinless turkey breast has started popping up in the grocery stores. If you like cooking pork tenderloin in the oven, you’ll love working with turkey breasts. I made us a little spiced yogurt mixture to give the turkey some real flavor. And color! The reason the marinade is bright yellow is because I used fresh turmeric. I’m having a bit of a moment with its complex flavor, but you can easily substitute dried, ground turmeric.
Step-by-step:
You need plain yogurt (or kefir), garam masala, fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
Whisk everything together, using a microplane grater for the fresh turmeric and ginger.
Pour over the turkey breasts, adding fresh cilantro to the mix. You can make one or two turkey breasts. They usually come two per package, so I made both so we would have leftovers. If you only make one, halve the recipe for the marinade.
Let the turkey breasts marinate for a minimum of 4 hours. But, try to do it overnight just to save yourself some prep time on the big day.
Next, I sear the breasts in a cast iron skillet with a splash of oil. We’re just looking to get a nice caramelized crust on the breasts. The day I was photographing this recipe, I didn’t let the pan heat up for long enough. They should be darker than what you see in the photo. Turn the heat to high, and heat it until you can only hold your hand a few inches above the surface of the oil for a few seconds. Sear on each side while you preheat the oven.
After baking the turkey, be sure to let it rest before slicing.
A Small Thanksgiving: Indian-Spiced Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Instructions
Ok. This is novel. Indian spiced turkey? Wow. Anyhow, this sounds great for any night of the week. We’ve been really hungry lately and this looks marvelous. You really did just spice up my life. And I’m a gym teacher so when my volleyball is loosing, my life gets boring and I need some spice in my life. Thanks!
I’ve been SO hungry lately, too, Tom! (not pregnant)
I didn’t know you taught gym! How fun :) Hope your team picks up!
That sounds like such a fun Thanksgiving!! Camille will have lots of people to hold her, leaving your hands free for a glass (or four) of wine. Hooray!!
This turkey is SUCH a great idea! We love turkey breast but I never really know what to do with it other than just…roast it. This would make the perfect weeknight meal for us. Love!
YES ALL THE WINE.
Oh, and cooking, too.
Miss you~~
i want this for most weekends now…
Great idea to rent a big house! I might have to suggest that to my family. This turkey sounds really yummy. Can’t wait to try it!!
What a fabulous idea to rent a huge house for the whole fam! I love that! And this turkey…all the pictures are just…beautiful.
Awwww, Nicole! Thanks! I’ve been thinking about you lots. Every time that sweet little baby girl (I’m sticking with GIRL) kicks you, I hope you smile :)
Yum!! This looks so good and it’s a great idea too. Something different this thanksgiving :)
Yey for everyone coming to you! Although, I’m not sure if that’s a relief or a burden. I get so stressed out when we have lots of people visiting. Anyway, we’ve been making turkey breasts for years since we were celebrating depressing Thanksgivings overseas, and this looks like such a nice change from traditional turkey flavors! I love it! I hope you have a great time with all your visitors!! :)
Such a wonderful idea, renting a home close to home for Thanksgiving! Don’t be afraid to assign dishes for others to bring! Makes them feel useful even if they aren’t as talented as you are with cooking.
I won’t hesitate to make this recipe, and happy for a new version of an old staple, healthy, lean, turkey breast! Always looking for fresh ideas on an old classic.
Garam masala is amazing isn’t it? A perfect blend of spices without having to mix it on your own. This recipe looks delicious!
You beat me to it! I was debating between a cajun or Indian inspired menu this year and I ended up going with the cajun. Now I am second guessing that decision cause this looks awesome! Along with all the other recipes you have posted to go along with this.
So yummy! Omg, I so want a burger on one!
I’d like to make a turkey breast (as an extra) on thanksgiving. However, overtime I go look for one, the package reads ‘COOKED TURKEY BREAST”. Do they all come already ‘cooked’, then we need to bake them?????
Hi Sylvia! Hmm…I’ve actually never seen a cooked one. I’m thinking you might be looking in the wrong section of the grocery store? Instead of near the cooked hams, I would try to find a turkey breast in the regular raw meat section. Sometimes I can only find turkey breasts near Thanksgiving, though. When all else fails, find the butcher and ask him/her. Best of luck :)
Thank you Christina. You are absolutely right. I was looking in the wrong section of the store. Thanks!
great