PROSECCO-BRINED TURKEY BREAST WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND SPECK
The ultimate Christmas feast, this prosecco brined turkey breast is the best way to get your guests talking.
SERVES 4-6
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup (75g) rock salt
¼ cup (45g) light brown sugar
2 sprigs tarragon
2 bunches thyme (about 12 sprigs)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1.25L water
3 cups (750ml) prosecco
2 x 1.5kg turkey breast fillets, skin on
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
350g speck or bacon, chopped
500g brussels sprouts, halved
1 bunch thyme (about 6 sprigs), extra
Lemon garlic butter
100g unsalted butter, softened
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
METHOD
Place the salt, sugar, tarragon, thyme, lemon and two cups (500ml) of the water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil and cook for four minutes, stirring to dissolve the salt. Allow to cool slightly.
Pour the brining liquid into a large (five-litre-capacity) non-reactive container*.
Add the prosecco and another two cups (500ml) of the water. Using your hands, carefully loosen the skin from the flesh of the turkey breasts. Lower the turkey, skin-side down, into the brine. Cover and refrigerate for two hours (but no longer).
To make the lemon garlic butter, place the butter, garlic and lemon rind in a small bowl and mix to combine.
Remove the turkey from the container, discarding the brine, and pat dry with absorbent kitchen paper. Using your hands, spread the lemon garlic butter under the skin.
Place the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and pepper. Add one turkey breast to the pan, skin-side down. Cook for four minutes each side or until golden brown.
Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining turkey. Return both turkey breasts to the pan, skin-side up. Add the remaining one cup (250ml) of water, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove the turkey from the pan, loosely cover with aluminium foil and reserve the cooking liquid.
Wipe the pan out and return to medium heat. Add the speck and cook, stirring, for four minutes or until crispy. Remove and set aside. Increase the heat to high, add the brussels sprouts and cook, stirring, for one minute or until lightly charred.
Add the extra thyme and reserved liquid and cook for two minutes.
Serve turkey with the sprouts and crispy speck.
* Non-reactive materials include glass, plastic and stainless steel.
