I love Latin food so I created a main course that combines wonderful spices and fresh ingredients. This is a traditional turkey recipe with a healthier twist because it uses chicken sausage instead of chorizo.
—MELISSA LAUER SAN ANTONIO, TX
PREP: 30 MIN. • COOK: 5 HOURS + STANDING • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS (ABOUT 1 CUP SAUCE)
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound uncooked chicken sausage links, casings removed
1 fresh boneless turkey breast (4 pounds)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
MOJO SAUCE
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup minced fresh oregano or 4 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 cup lime juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup olive oil
1. In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble sausage over mixture and mix well.
2. With skin side down, pound turkey breast with a meat mallet to 1/2-in. thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread sausage mixture over turkey to within 1 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; tie at 1 1/2-in. to 2-in. intervals with kitchen string. Place in a 5-qt. oval slow cooker.
3. In a blender, combine the first nine sauce ingredients; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Pour over turkey.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°. Remove from slow cooker; cover and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Discard string.
5. Meanwhile, skim fat from cooking juices; transfer juices to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Serve with turkey.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mojo sauce is the Cuban favorite that features garlic, herbs and citrus—orange, lime, lemon or a combination of all three. The bold sauce complements many meats. It also works well on sandwiches and even grilled vegetables.