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Peppered Turkey

Also known as Peppered Turkey (Nigerian Party Style)

Peppered Turkey is the premium, celebratory upgrade of Peppered Chicken — served at the most elaborate Nigerian parties, weddings and Christmas celebrations. Turkey, with its richer, more substantial meat, holds up magnificently to the bold Nigerian pepper sauce and the high-heat frying process.

Peppered Turkey, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • Half a medium turkey, cut into large serving pieces
  • 2 teaspoons of curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of ground Cameroon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 big onion — half sliced for boiling, half for sauce
  • 3 seasoning cubes (Knorr), crushed
  • Salt to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying FOR THE PREMIUM PEPPER SAUCE:
  • 5 big ripe tomatoes, blended
  • 3 Tatashe (red bell peppers), blended
  • 5 Atarodo (hot chilli peppers), blended
  • 3 cooking spoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 big handfuls of ground crayfish
  • 1 tablespoon of iru (locust beans) — optional for extra depth
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. 01

    Seasoning and Parboiling. Season turkey pieces with all spices, seasoning cubes and salt. Place in a large pot with sliced onion. Cover with water and boil for 35 to 40 minutes — turkey is denser than chicken and requires longer cooking. Remove, drain and reserve the rich turkey stock.

  2. 02

    Frying. Heat oil for shallow frying in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry turkey pieces in batches for 5 to 6 minutes per side until deep golden-brown. Turkey skin should be crispy and dark golden.

  3. 03

    Making the Deep Pepper Sauce. Heat oil in a wide pot. Add iru if using. Add blended tomatoes, Tatashe and Atarodo. Fry for 25 to 30 minutes until very deeply cooked and oil clearly floats on top. Add ground crayfish and seasoning.

  4. 04

    Finishing. Add fried turkey pieces to the sauce. Add a ladleful of turkey stock. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes on medium heat until the turkey is fully coated and the sauce clings to every piece. Taste and adjust.

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