| Prep: 60 mins | Cook: 180 mins – 240 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 680 | 32g | 10g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 2g | 78g | 2.3g |
Why I Love Finnish Smoked Turkey with Lemon Sauce
I’ve always loved the scent of a good smoked meat dish in the kitchen, and my Smoked Turkey with Lemon Sauce is no exception. Inspired by a traditional Finnish recipe, I’ve taken it and added my own unique Indian-American twist to it. The result is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, as you can see here:
A Dish with Flavor and History
The process of smoking meats goes back centuries, and has been used in a variety of cultures worldwide, from the Nordic countries to right here in America. The Finnish have a particular fondness for smoked meats like the turkey we’re featuring in our recipe, a technique which imparts an intensely rich and smoky flavor to the meat.
I particularly remember Chef Toni Toivanen, who shares my love for heritage cooking methods while modernizing them for today’s palates. His approach to Finnish cuisine has been an inspiration as I developed this recipe.
The Indian-American Twist
Just as in my upbringing, I always strive to blend the two cultures of my heritage in my cooking. As my roots trace back to Gujarat, India, I have an innate affinity for vibrant flavors. To add this touch to my version of the Smoked Turkey with Lemon Sauce, I decided to introduce the zest of one lemon. This imparts a captivating tanginess that complements the smoky flavor perfectly.
This recipe is a flexible one, and could easily be adapted to suit a variety of preferences. It would pair beautifully with classic sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad. Alternatively, an Indian-inspired side dish like a flavorful biryani or a mixed vegetable curry would merge wonderfully.
This Smoked Turkey with Lemon Sauce, with its enchanting mix of smoky-sweet-tangy excellence, is bound to leave a lasting impression on all your guests. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a simple weekend dinner, this dish is sure to delight and satisfy.
Try it, and let me know how you like it!
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole Turkey (10-12 pounds)
- 1/8 cup Salt
- 1/8 cup Black Pepper
- 1 cup Wood Chips for smoking
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cups Chicken Stock
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup squeezed Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Butter
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the turkey. Remove any giblets from the turkey and rinse it inside and out. Pat dry thoroughly. Season the entire turkey (inside and out) with the salt and black pepper.
Step Two
Prepare your smoker as per the manufacturer’s instructions, using the 1 cup of wood chips. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F.
Step Three
Brush the olive oil all over the turkey to keep it moist during the smoking process. Place it in the prepared smoker and close the lid. Smoke the turkey for about 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Step Four
While the turkey is smoking, prepare the lemon sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken stock, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Step Five
Mix the cornstarch with the 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering lemon sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step Six
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the butter until it melts into the sauce. Keep the sauce warm until the turkey is ready.
Step Seven
Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. Serve the smoked turkey with the warm lemon sauce on the side. Enjoy!
