Beer-Braised Turkey Tacos

Submitted by Momma de Finn

"Food & Wine, March 2010. Skinless turkey thighs and drumsticks are packed with flavor; they're also low in fat and high in protein and essential minerals like selenium. Deborah Schneider braises the meat in beer until ultratender, then shreds it for tacos. One Taco = 220 cal, 8 gm fat, 1.6 gm sat fat, 18 gm carb, 2 gm fiber."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 40mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 12 Tacos

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• two 1 lb bone-in turkey thighs or turkey drumstick, skin and fat removed
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1 inch dice, plus minced white onion for serving
• 1 large oregano sprig
• 1 large jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
• 1 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 ancho chili, stemmed, seeded, and coarsely chopped
• one 2 inch cinnamon stick
• 12 ounces dark Mexican beer, such as modelo negro
• 1 cup water
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro stems, for serving

directions

1. In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 1 tbl of the olive oil. Season the turkey with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until richly browned all over, about 8 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a plate.
2. Add the remaining 1 tbl of oil to the casserole along with the garlic, diced onion, oregano, and jalapeno and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the tomato, ancho and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, until the tomato releases its juices.
4. Return the turkey to the casserole, add the beer and water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat, turning once, until the turkey thighs are tender, about 1 hour. Transfer turkey to a plate and let cool.
5. Discard the oregano sprig and cinnamon stick and boil the sauce over high heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 12 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for about 8 minutes, until softened and heated through.
7. Remove the turkey meat and shred it. Transfer the sauce to a food processor and puree.
8. Return the sauce to the pot and stir in the shredded turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the turkey onto the tortillas. Top with minced onion, sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs and serve.