‘DUTCHESS OF PARMA’ TURKEY

A Showstopping Turkey Dish with Italian Elegance

Tacchino Duchessa di Parma is an elegant and indulgent turkey recipe that brings the flavors of Italian culinary tradition to your dinner menu. This luxurious dish features turkey stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chestnuts, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, wrapped in Parma ham for added richness and basted to golden perfection. To elevate the dish further, it’s served with a creamy sauce that balances the savory, nutty, and salty notes beautifully.

The combination of ingredients reflects Italy’s love for marrying rustic flavors with sophisticated preparation. Chestnuts, often associated with festive meals, lend a subtle sweetness and creamy texture to the stuffing, while Parmesan adds depth and umami. Wrapping the turkey in Parma ham not only keeps the meat tender but also infuses it with the delicate, smoky-sweet flavor that the ham is famous for.

Perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, Tacchino Duchessa di Parma pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a simple arugula salad with balsamic dressing. For wine pairings, opt for a crisp white like Vermentino or a medium-bodied red like Chianti to complement the dish’s richness.

This dish offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Turkey is a lean protein source, while chestnuts provide complex carbohydrates and are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and protein, and the Parma ham adds a touch of indulgence with its naturally occurring healthy fats. When served with light vegetable sides, this dish becomes a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

A little history

The recipe’s name pays homage to Parma, a city in northern Italy renowned for its culinary treasures, including Parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma) and Parmigiano cheese. These two ingredients form the heart of this dish, showcasing the region’s rich gastronomic history.

Stuffed turkey dishes have long been part of Italian celebrations, with variations appearing across regions. Chestnuts, a staple of Italian cuisine since ancient times, were often used in festive recipes during the fall and winter seasons. The luxurious addition of Parma ham elevates the dish, combining rustic tradition with refined elegance.

Today, Tacchino Duchessa di Parma is celebrated as a dish that brings Italian flair to holiday tables, blending simplicity with sophistication.

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INGREDIENTS👇🏻

• 2 turkey breast slices, 250g | 8.8oz circa

• 90g | 3.2oz boiled chestnuts for sauce and stuffing

• Parmigiano cheese shavings, 40g | 1.4 oz circa

• 6 slices of Parma ham

• Plain flour

• 50g | 1.8oz butter

• 120ml | 4.22fl oz Marsala wine

• 50ml | 1.76fl oz fresh cream

• 15g | 0.5oz fresh parsley leaves

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

The recipe step by step

1. Chop finely the fresh parsley, leaves only

   
   

2. Flatten the turkey slices, place one at the bottom, season with sea salt and black pepper and cover with 20g | 0.7oz crumbled boiled chestnuts and parmigiano shavings, before placing the second slice on top

   
   

3. Create a sheet of Parma ham slices and rest the turkey parcel in the centre before wrapping it with a slice of ham at a time, tucking in all sides

   
   

4. Dust your Parma ham wrapped parcel with flour and set aside

   
   

5. Bring the butter to sizzle in a pan, add the parcel in and pan fry for 3-4 minutes each side, while basting consistently

   
   

6. Then add to the pan 70g | 2.5oz circa of boiled whole chestnuts and the marsala wine, and let the wine reduce on low heat

   
   

7. Pour the fresh cream in and season with sea salt and a good scrunch of black pepper

   
   

8. Keep basting for a couple of minutes, before setting the turkey aside

   
   

9. Then add the chopped parsley to the pan to finish off your sauce letting it thicken to your taste

   
   

10. Decorate your exquisite turkey dish with the sauce and the chestnuts before serving…then enjoy! 😋