Description
🍗 Experience rich, tender turkey necks slow-cooked in savory gravy for a soulful Southern classic.
🥄 This hearty dish delivers deep flavor and comfort, perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Ingredients
– 2 to 4 pounds turkey necks – thoroughly cleaned by rinsing with lemon juice or a salt and vinegar water soak to remove grit and odors; trimmed of excess fat for better texture.
– 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning – alternatively, a seasoning blend including 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 2 teaspoons paprika adds complex layers.
– 1 tablespoon browning sauce (optional) – enhances the rich brown color of the gravy without altering flavor significantly.
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil or olive oil – provides the fat necessary for browning the turkey necks, developing deep savory notes.
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – used to create the roux base for the thick, silky gravy.
– 1 diced onion (about 3/4 cup) – adds sweetness and body when sautéed with other vegetables.
– 1 diced bell pepper or 1/4 cup chopped green peppers – contributes mild, fresh flavor and texture contrast.
– Optional additions: 1/4 cup chopped celery for extra aroma and 2 teaspoons minced garlic for enhanced savory depth.
– 4 cups chicken stock or broth – or a combination of 1 quart broth with 1 quart water if doubling the recipe; this liquid directly flavors and tenderizes the meat while forming gravy.
– 1 to 4 bay leaves (optional) – introduce subtle herbal notes to the simmering liquid.
– Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing and boosting all flavors throughout cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Step 3: Add in the butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Stir in the milk until just combined.
Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
🔥 Brown the turkey necks thoroughly for the best flavor and rich gravy color.
⏳ Slow cook gently to ensure tender meat that falls from the bone.
⚠️ Watch out for sharp bones; eating slowly enhances safety and enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern, Soul Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Turkey Neck Recipe, Southern Turkey Neck, Smothered Turkey Neck, Slow Cooked Turkey Neck