Rev: Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish

[Robyn1007]

I really enjoyed the flavors of this recipe. I used chicken rather than turkey and forgot the cilantro which I'm sure would just be better. In fact, I'll add it to tomorrow night's portion for sure. I also used non-stick spray rather than canola oil to cook the meat.

Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish

Avocado-Grapefruit Relish
1 large seedless grapefruit
1/2 small avocado, peeled pitted and diced
1 small shallot, minced
1 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey

Spiced Turkey
1 Tbs chili powder
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 turkey cutlets (8 oz)
1 Tbs canola oil

1. T prepare relish: Remove the peel and white pith from grapefruit with a sharp knife and discard. Cut the grapefruit segments from the surrounding membrane, letting them drop into a small bowl. Squeeze out remaining juice into the bowl and discard membrane. Add avocado, shallot, cilantro, vinegar and honey. Toss well to combine.

2. To prepare turkey: Combine chili powder, five-spice powder and salt on a plate. Dredge turkey in the spice mixture.

3. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until no longer pink in the middle, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve the turkey with the avocado-grapefruit relish.

Makes 2 servings.
From Eating Well Serves Two.

[Robyn1007]

While I am surprised that nobody has responded to this one as the flavors are really wonderful this time of year I really just bumping to say that the cilantro really punches up a notch and with the grapefruit juice the avocado didn't brown at all overnight. I think the flavors of the relish developed really nicely overnight so in the future I'll try to make that ahead of time.

[beacooker]

I'm glad you bumped it - it looks wonderful!

[SheRa]

this looks really great! i have trouble finding turkey cutlets though, so i'll have to dig for them. do you think that i could sub something other than 5 spice? is there a way to make a 4 spice? i can't stand anise/caraway/licorice-y stuff so i tend to shy away from recipes that call for 5 spice, but this sounds really tasty otherwise!

[Robyn1007]

I think you'd be fine subbing a mixture of the other 4 spices (although I can't remember what they are). I think the key is the strongly spiced turkey (chicken in my case) against the tart/sweet/buttery relish.

ETA: Here's the description of 5 spice from Penzey's so I would just use the cinnamon, ginger and cloves. I also have French Four Spice which might be intersting in the dish as well so I'll paste in that description.

Chinese Five Spice Powder salt free
As America redefines its diet, increasing consumption of vegetables and starches, and cutting fats and meat portions, it makes sense to borrow from those who have cooked this way throughout history. Chinese stir-fry is quick, easy and very versatile, combining well with all meats and vegetables. Hand-mixed from: China cassia cinnamon, star anise, anise seed, ginger and cloves.

French Four Spice salt free
A must for Country French dishes, such as pork chops, potato casseroles and stew with red wine. French Four Spice is traditionally used for pork, beef and rabbit. Hand-mixed from: white pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cloves.

[SheRa]

Chinese Five Spice Powder salt free
As America redefines its diet, increasing consumption of vegetables and starches, and cutting fats and meat portions, it makes sense to borrow from those who have cooked this way throughout history. Chinese stir-fry is quick, easy and very versatile, combining well with all meats and vegetables. Hand-mixed from: China cassia cinnamon, star anise, anise seed, ginger and cloves.

that's interesting - 2 of the 5 spices are forms of anise. hmm...