All About Turkey Neck: Unveiling its Nutritional Benefits and Delicious Flavors

Turkey neck is a part of the turkey bird that is often overlooked and thrown away. But do you know that this neglected piece of meat is actually packed with nutrients and flavors? In this blog post, we will delve into what turkey neck is, its nutritional benefits, and how you can cook it into a delicious meal.

What is Turkey Neck?

Turkey neck is the part of the turkey that attaches the head to the body. It comprises bones, connective tissues, and some meat. While it is not the most attractive part of the turkey, it is incredibly flavorful and makes a savory base for soups, stews, and gravies.

Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Neck

Turkey neck is a rich source of nutrients that are essential for our health. For example:

  • Protein: Turkey neck contains a high amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
  • Collagen: Turkey neck contains collagen, which helps in maintaining healthy skin, nails, and hair.
  • Vitamins and minerals: Turkey neck is rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining good health.

Preparing Turkey Neck for Cooking

Before cooking turkey neck, it is essential to remove any excess fat and clean the meat thoroughly. You may also want to remove any visible gallbladder or bile ducts as they can make the meat bitter.

Cooking Turkey Neck: An Array of Delicious Recipes

There are several ways of cooking turkey neck depending on your tastes and preferences. Here are some delicious recipes to try out:

1. Roasted Turkey Neck

Roasting turkey neck is a simple yet delicious way of enjoying this meat. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Clean the turkey neck and pat it dry.
  • Rub the neck with your favorite seasoning or marinate overnight.
  • Place the neck on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy.

2. Turkey Neck Soup

Turkey neck soup is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for cold weather. Here is how to make it:

  • Clean the turkey neck and cut it into small pieces.
  • In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and some herbs until fragrant.
  • Add the turkey neck, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaves, and cover with water or broth.
  • Simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
  • Add your favorite vegetables such as peas or spinach and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread.

3. Slow-Cooked Turkey Neck

Slow-cooking turkey necks make the meat succulent, tender, and extremely flavorful. Here is how to make it:

  • In a skillet, sear the turkey necks on all sides until golden brown.
  • Transfer the necks to a slow cooker and add some vegetables such as onions, garlic, and carrots.
  • Cover with water and add your favorite seasoning.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
  • Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice or potatoes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, turkey neck is an overlooked piece of meat that is rich in nutrients, delicious, and versatile. By trying out the above recipes, you can enjoy this tasty and nutritious food in your meals. So, next time you have turkey meat, don't throw away the neck - it's a hidden treasure that deserves to be enjoyed.