Everyone loves spaghetti, and when you top the noodles with dark turkey meat soaked in an excellent tomato sauce, this dish is to die for.
by Tiffany Haugen
No matter how young, old, or picky some people may be, spaghetti is one of those universal comfort foods most everyone enjoys. And this recipe—prepared with the dark meat of wild turkey—will surely be a hit.
Turkey meat is very lean, so don’t overcook it. The number one reason I hear why people don’t like eating wild turkey meat is because it’s tough. No matter the age or sex of the bird, that’s 100 percent on the cook. Overcook any turkey, even a jake, and it’ll turn out tough. The key to properly cooking a wild turkey’s leg and thigh meat is a low-and-slow method.
If you or someone in the family is still skeptical about eating wild turkey, this recipe will change that.
What You Need
- 2 wild turkey legs & thighs
- 1 onion
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil and or parsley
- Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for garnish
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
The Directions
Separate turkey legs and thighs at the joint and place all four pieces in a slow cooker. Separating the legs and thighs, especially of big toms, ensures they’ll fit in the slow cooker. Cook on high heat for 4-6 hours or until turkey meat separates easily from the bone. Remove all meat from bones, cartilage, and sinew, chop, and add back to the slow cooker juices or into a soup pot.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and spices to the slow cooker or soup pot. Cook for an additional hour in the slow cooker or bring to a boil in the soup pot and then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Cook pasta according to directions. Serve with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Note: To order signed copies of Tiffany Haugen’s popular book, Cooking Game Birds visit scotthaugen.com for this and other titles.
