Turkey Nuggets and Beans Fries

The anise seed is totally optional, but I encourage you to try it! It brings a flavor that is subtle, but really rounds out the natural sweetness of Sweetgrass turkey. Oh double the batch, fry them off and freeze for later to make a great salad!

1 lb Sweetgrass ground turkey
1/4 c Bulgar wheat (cracked wheat)
1 egg
3/4 tsp dried marjoram
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp anise seed
1/2 red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh bread crumbs
1/8 c grated Caldwell cheese
s/p to taste

1 c fresh bread crumbs (about 2-3 slices ground in a food processor)
1 c cornmeal
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1 c flour
3/4 c Maple Hill creamery plain yogurt

4 c oil for frying

Place Bulgar wheat in a bowl and cover with water at least 2" above. Let stand for 20 minutes. Drain, and squeeze out excess water.

In a large bowl add turkey, Bulgar wheat, egg, marjoram, thyme, anise seed, onion, bread crumbs, cheese, onion and salt/pepper to taste (1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper). Combine ingredients well, cover with wrap and let stand for 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a large pan to 375 degrees. (over med/high heat).

Using a 1 oz cookie scoop, form 20 balls from turkey mixture, set on wax paper lined sheet pans (you will two pans, one for before dredge and the other for after dredge). Set up dredging station as follows : Tray 1-1 c flour seasoned with s/p, tray 2- beaten egg with 2 tbsp milk, tray 3- bread crumbs and cornmeal.

Roll each nugget in the flour, then egg and then bread crumb/cornmeal. After the last step, slightly flatten into a nugget shape. Place on 2nd sheet pan, repeat until all are done.

Using a spoon to help prevent splashing, slowly add 4-5 nuggets at a time to oil. Let fry until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove to drain on paper towel. Repeat until done. Keep in a 200 degree to keep warm.

Serve with favorite dipping sauce and bean fries


Bean Fries

1 lb green beans, trimmed, rinsed and patted dry. Dredge beans in yogurt, letting excess drip off. Place in try of bread crumbs/cornmeal. (try to only do a few at a time, or they will clump together.) Carefully drop in oil, and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden. (you can do about 10 12 beans at a time.) Remove paper towel to drain, sprinkle with salt and pepper.