Ingredients

1 cup chestnuts
2/3 cup butter
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup tangerine juice
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 whole turkey
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup uncooked instant rice
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup raisins ( optional )
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons brandy
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Greek Traditional Turkey with Chestnut and Pine Nut Stuffing is a classic dish that is often served around the holidays. The combination of juicy turkey meat, earthy chestnuts, and crunchy pine nuts, makes it a warm and comforting meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. While it does require some preparation and cooking time, the end result is a delicious and hearty dish that is sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner party or simply looking for a hearty and delicious meal, this traditional Greek Turkey with Chestnut and Pine Nut Stuffing Recipe is sure to please.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.Using a sharp knife, cut a slit down the length of each chestnut shell, being careful not to cut too deep.
3.Place the chestnuts in a baking dish and roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shells have opened.
4.Remove from oven and let cool.
5.In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the orange, tangerine, and lemon juices until smooth.
6.Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breasts and thighs, without tearing it, then rub the butter mixture underneath the skin.
7.Season the turkey with salt and pepper.
8.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork with the chopped onion until browned.
9.Add the uncooked rice, pine nuts, and raisins ( if using ). Mix well.
10.Stir in the 1/3 cup of butter, chicken broth, brandy, salt, and pepper.
11.Stuff the turkey with the ground meat mixture.
12.Cover the turkey with foil and roast in the oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey reads an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
13.Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to brown.

PROS

The combination of flavors from the chestnuts, pine nuts, and raisins, along with the succulent turkey meat make this a hearty and delicious dish.

The turkey is high in protein, which is essential for healthy muscles and tissues.

CONS

This dish can be time-consuming to prepare, and it may require some effort to loosen the turkey skin without tearing it.

Cooking the turkey with the stuffing inside means that it may not cook as evenly as a turkey cooked without stuffing.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Turkey is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and high in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
Chestnuts are a great source of antioxidants and fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

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