As the leaves turn and the air gets that crisp bite, my kitchen transforms into a haven of warmth and creativity. This Butternut Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin isn’t just a recipe; it’s like wrapping up a cozy evening in a blanket—hearty, comforting, with the sweet surprise of butternut that brings a little autumn to your plate. Imagine the tender turkey cradling the rich stuffing, like a secret waiting to be discovered, filling the room with aromas that make you want to linger just a little longer.
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sauté chopped shallots and garlic over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Add diced butternut squash, cranberries, maple syrup, and a tablespoon of water; cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add kale, salt, sage, and black pepper to the skillet, and cover again to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Once done, set the mixture aside to cool and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Carefully cut a pocket into each turkey tenderloin, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Season the insides and outsides of the turkey with salt.
- Stuff each turkey tenderloin with approximately 3/4 cup of the squash mixture. Use cooking twine to securely tie each tenderloin with 3 to 4 pieces, trimming any excess twine.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, lightly spray with cooking spray and sear each turkey breast on both sides for about 2 minutes.
- Pour a tablespoon of water into the skillet and cover tightly with foil, or transfer to a baking dish and cover. Bake in the center of the oven for 25 minutes.
- Let the turkey sit for 5 minutes before removing the twine and slicing each tenderloin into four pieces. Drizzle any pan juices over the turkey slices before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless turkey tenderloins, totaling 1 lb
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon light olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups (6 oz) diced butternut squash, 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (option to substitute with honey for Paleo)
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 3 sage leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 6 to 8 pieces of cooking twine
- Cooking spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 884 kcal | Carbohydrates: 80 g | Protein: 88 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 204 mg | Sodium: 3520 mg | Fiber: 16 g | Sugar: 28 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of squash instead of butternut squash?
- Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with other types of squash, but be mindful that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
- Is it possible to make this recipe Paleo or Whole30 compliant?
- To make this dish Paleo-friendly, you can replace the maple syrup with honey. For Whole30 compliance, simply omit the sweetener.
- Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance?
- Absolutely, you can make the stuffing mixture ahead of time. Just ensure it is properly stored in the refrigerator and reheated before stuffing the turkey tenderloins.
- What can I use if I don’t have cooking twine?
- If you don’t have cooking twine, you could use unwaxed dental floss or silicone cooking bands as alternatives to secure the stuffed tenderloins.
- What should I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
- If you lack an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the turkey in a regular skillet and then transfer the tenderloins to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
Tips
- To avoid dry turkey, ensure you do not overcook the tenderloins, as they are very lean and prone to drying out.
- When cutting the pocket into the turkey tenderloins, be cautious not to slice all the way through, especially at the ends, to keep the filling securely inside.
- Allow the cooked turkey to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Use cooking twine to securely tie the stuffed turkey, helping to maintain its shape and hold the stuffing in place during cooking.
Equipment
- Cooking Twine
- Oven-safe Skillet
