Continental Turkey
A flavorful and hearty turkey dish with green onions, celery, green peppers, almonds, and pineapple, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with a sweet and savory profile.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 6 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. margarine
- 1/4 cup salted slivered almonds
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked and diced turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet basil ⓘ
- 2 cups poultry broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pimentos ⓘ
- 1 cup drained crushed pineapple ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat an electric frypan to 300°F (approximately 150°C).
- Saute green onions, celery, and green peppers in margarine until vegetables begin to brown.
- Add slivered salted almonds, sliced water chestnuts, and cooked diced turkey to the vegetables; blend well together.
- Add salt, pepper, flour, paprika, curry powder, and sweet basil; allow to brown lightly, stirring constantly.
- Pour in poultry broth, add chopped pimentos and drained crushed pineapple; mix well.
- Cover and open vent; bake at simmering point until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or parsley biscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you don't have poultry broth, chicken broth works well as a substitute. You can also swap out the turkey for shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. Ensure the vegetables are chopped evenly for consistent cooking. Adding a splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Continental Turkey hot, accompanied by fluffy rice or homemade parsley biscuits for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish, adding a refreshing contrast. For a hearty option, consider serving with a slice of cornbread or alongside a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Continental Turkey contains roughly 291 calories, with 10g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 905mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, let it cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat it in the frypan or oven until hot and bubbly. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, sliced jicama or even crunchy celery can provide a similar texture. Alternatively, you may skip them altogether if you prefer a simpler dish. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to maintain overall flavor balance.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the Continental Turkey for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a pan or microwave. This way, you can enjoy this comforting meal on busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).