Although Thanksgiving is an American holiday, for French enthusiasts and Francophiles alike, Thanksgiving is another opportunity to incorporate France into your holiday tradition! Surprise your family and friends with these recipes that add a French twist to traditional holiday dishes. Add a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau to pair with your turkey, and you’re ready to eat as the French do!
Try this delicious recipe for Provençal Turkey Roast with Riesling, which is inspired by two classic French dishes- Coq au Vin (chicken braised in white wine) and Pissaladiere (Provençal pizza with caramelized onions and Herbes de Provence).
Ingredients:
• 1 4- to 4 1/2-pound pound turkey breast roast, without bones, tied by your butcher
• 2 tablespoons of Herbes de Provence
• 8 sage leaves
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced on a bias into chunks
• 10 cipollini onions, peeled
• 1 cup of low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup of dry Riesling wine
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 3 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of flour
Procedure:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Set the turkey breast roast in a roasting pan and make the rub by mixing together the Herbes de Provence, chopped fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and garlic. Use your hands
3. Toss the chunks of carrots and cipollini onions with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and salt and pepper. Scatter in the roasting pan on either side of the turkey.
4. Pour the stock and Riesling into the bottom of the roasting pan around the turkey. Roast for 2 hours, basting occasionally.
5. To make a quick gravy while the turkey rests, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the shallots, and sauté for 5 minutes until they are translucent. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in the roasting sauce and turkey juice
6. Cut the string off the turkey, and slice the roast. Serve with the roasted vegetables alongside and gravy on top.
Links to some other recipes we like:
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pears
Gougeres
Potato Gratin with Gruyere and Herbes de Provence
And for something sweet…
French Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Mousse Napoleons
What are your holiday traditions? Do you plan to try any new recipes? Share your French twists with us!