Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean culinary traditions that has been transformed over time to become a unique culinary experience. One dish that epitomizes the Cuban cuisine is the Cuban stuffed turkey, which is a traditional Thanksgiving dish for Cuban families.
The Cuban stuffed turkey is a very popular dish that is often served at holiday gatherings. It is typically made by stuffing a whole turkey with a flavorful mixture of rice, sausage, spices, and vegetables. This dish has become so popular in the Cuban community that there are numerous variations of the recipe.
One of the best ways to prepare the Cuban stuffed turkey is by using the caja china cooking method. This method produces a succulent and juicy turkey that is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The caja china is a wooden box that is lined with aluminum and has a charcoal tray on top. The turkey is placed on top of the aluminum and then covered with the charcoal tray. The heat from the charcoal cooks the turkey from above resulting in evenly cooked and juicy meat.
Here is a recipe for Cuban stuffed turkey using the caja china cooking method:
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
2 cups of white rice
1 lb of Spanish sausage (chorizo)
1 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of chopped green and red bell pepper
4 garlic cloves
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of turmeric
1 tsp of paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups of chicken broth
Directions:
For the stuffing:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, rinse the rice under cold running water, and then pour it into a large pot filled with boiling water. Allow the rice to boil for about 10 minutes until it is soft. Drain the rice and set it aside.
2. Remove the skin from the sausage and chop it into small pieces.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
4. Add the sausage and sauté for another 5 minutes until the sausage is cooked through.
5. Add the garlic, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and sauté for about 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
6. Add the cooked rice and chicken broth and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed into the rice.
For the turkey:
1. Preheat the caja china according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the charcoal tray on top of the grill.
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and rinse the turkey under cold running water.
3. Insert the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey. Use a skewer or toothpicks to close the opening.
4. Place the turkey on the aluminum-lined tray, breast side up.
5. Cover the turkey with the charcoal tray, and then add a layer of charcoal on top of the tray.
6. Cook the turkey for about 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove the turkey from the caja china and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving.
The Cuban stuffed turkey is an impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests. It is a perfect centerpiece for any holiday occasion and a great way to introduce your friends and family to the delicious flavors of Cuban cuisine. With the caja china cooking method, you can be sure that your turkey will be perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful.