ITALIAN-STYLE TURKEY WITH POLENTA

Italian-Style Turkey with Polenta image

This recipe is very easy to prepare, and is made even easier when it simmers in a slow cooker. The turkey comes out tender and the veggies add a mix of color and heartiness.-Gilda Lester, Milsboro, Delaware

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

4 turkey thighs (about 3 pounds), skin removed
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges
1 small fennel bulb, chopped, fronds reserved
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tubes (18 ounces each) polenta, each cut into 5 slices

Steps:

Sprinkle turkey thighs with salt and pepper. In a 6-qt stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Brown thighs on all sides in batches. Remove from pan. In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, fennel and mushrooms; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, tomato paste and Italian seasoning; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan; stir in tomatoes., Transfer turkey and vegetable mixture to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 4-6 hours or until meat is tender. Remove turkey from slow cooker. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones; discard bones. Keep meat warm., Preheat oven to 425°. Brush polenta slices with remaining olive oil. Place slices 1/2 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 30-40 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway though baking. Meanwhile, mince reserved fennel fronds. To serve, top polenta with turkey and sauce; sprinkle with minced fennel.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 622 calories, Fat 16g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 324mg cholesterol, Sodium 1085mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 83g protein.