Delia Smith’s Turkey en Croûte is a luxurious and elegant dish, perfect for festive occasions or dinner parties. This recipe features tender turkey breast wrapped in a flavorful filling, encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. A show-stopping centerpiece, it combines rich flavors and an impressive presentation, making it ideal for special gatherings.
What is Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte?
Turkey en Croûte is a dish where turkey breast is coated with a savory filling, such as mushrooms or stuffing, and wrapped in puff pastry before being baked to perfection. The result is a crisp, buttery crust with a juicy and flavorful turkey center.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Impressive Presentation: A stunning centerpiece for any meal.
- Rich and Flavorful: Combines juicy turkey with savory filling and pastry.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for holiday dinners or celebrations.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This can be prepped in advance and baked before serving.
- Customizable: Adapt the filling to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte
For the turkey
- Turkey Breast (1 large, around 600g): The star of the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For the Filling
- Butter (30g): For sautéing.
- Shallots (2, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Mushrooms (200g, finely chopped): For a rich, earthy flavor.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Enhances the filling.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp): Adds herbal notes.
- Cream Cheese (100g): Makes the filling creamy.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Pastry
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed if frozen): Encases the turkey.
- Egg (1, beaten): For glazing the pastry.
Equipment Needed
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Pastry brush
- Frying pan
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, mix in the cream cheese.
Step 2: Season and sear the turkey
Season the turkey breast with salt and black pepper. In the same pan, sear the turkey on all sides over medium heat until lightly browned. This step helps seal in the juices. Let the turkey cool slightly.
Step 3: Roll out the pastry
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a size large enough to fully encase the turkey.
Step 4: Assemble the en croûte
Spread the cooled mushroom filling evenly over the surface of the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Place the seared turkey breast in the center of the pastry. Wrap the pastry tightly around the turkey, sealing the edges with beaten egg. Trim any excess pastry and place the wrapped turkey seam-side down on a baking tray.
Step 5: Glaze and bake
Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish. Use a knife to create a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the turkey en croûte rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides or sauces.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds a hearty and colorful side.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy complement to the crisp pastry.
- Green Salad: Balances the richness of the dish.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Gravy: Enhances the flavors with a rich sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Cold pastry ensures a flaky texture.
- Avoid Overfilling: Use just enough filling to avoid leaks during baking.
- Seal Properly: Ensure the pastry edges are well-sealed to prevent splitting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Rest Before Slicing: Resting allows the juices to redistribute.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte
- Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey with a whole roasted squash or large portobello mushrooms.
- Cheesy Filling: Add grated Parmesan or Gruyere to the mushroom mixture.
- Herbed Pastry: Mix chopped herbs like parsley or chives into the pastry for added flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to maintain the pastry’s crispness.
- Freeze: Wrap the unbaked en croûte in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I prepare turkey en croûte ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble turkey en croûte up to a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
What can I use instead of puff pastry for turkey en croûte?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use shortcrust pastry for a sturdier crust or even filo pastry for a lighter option.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the turkey and filling are completely cooled before wrapping them in the pastry. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs or flour on the pastry to absorb excess moisture.
Can I freeze turkey en croûte before baking?
Yes, turkey en croûte can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Turkey en Croûte is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its tender turkey, savory filling, and golden pastry, it’s a perfect choice for holiday meals or special occasions. Serve it with classic sides for a memorable dining experience!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Turkey and Ham Pie
- Jamie Oliver Turkey Salad
- Leftover Turkey Curry
- Mary Berry Potato Salad
Delia Smith Turkey en Croûte Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Turkey en Croûte is a dish where turkey breast is coated with a savory filling, such as mushrooms or stuffing, and wrapped in puff pastry before being baked to perfection. The result is a crisp, buttery crust with a juicy and flavorful turkey center.
Ingredients
For the turkey
- Turkey Breast (1 large, around 600g): The star of the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For the Filling
- Butter (30g): For sautéing.
- Shallots (2, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Mushrooms (200g, finely chopped): For a rich, earthy flavor.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Enhances the filling.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp): Adds herbal notes.
- Cream Cheese (100g): Makes the filling creamy.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Pastry
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed if frozen): Encases the turkey.
- Egg (1, beaten): For glazing the pastry.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, mix in the cream cheese.
Step 2: Season and sear the turkey
Season the turkey breast with salt and black pepper. In the same pan, sear the turkey on all sides over medium heat until lightly browned. This step helps seal in the juices. Let the turkey cool slightly.
Step 3: Roll out the pastry
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a size large enough to fully encase the turkey.
Step 4: Assemble the en croûte
Spread the cooled mushroom filling evenly over the surface of the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Place the seared turkey breast in the center of the pastry. Wrap the pastry tightly around the turkey, sealing the edges with beaten egg. Trim any excess pastry and place the wrapped turkey seam-side down on a baking tray.
Step 5: Glaze and bake
Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish. Use a knife to create a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the turkey en croûte rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides or sauces.
