Kritharoto me Galopoula
Orzotto with Turkey Neck
A hearty and flavorful dish from Northern Greece, featuring orzo pasta cooked like risotto with tender turkey neck and aromatic herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large Turkey neck(cleaned)
- 300 g Orzo pasta
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 150 ml Dry white wine
- 1.5 l Chicken or vegetable broth(warmed)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey necks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.
- 5
Return the turkey necks to the pot. Add the warmed broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the turkey meat is tender.
- 6
Remove the turkey necks from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding bones and skin. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
💡 Tip: This can be done ahead of time. - 7
Bring the broth back to a simmer. Add the orzo pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente and the liquid has been mostly absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Add more broth if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
💡 Tip: Stirring is key to achieve a creamy texture, similar to risotto. - 8
Stir in the shredded turkey meat, chopped parsley, and dill. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: A drizzle of good quality olive oil before serving is recommended.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the turkey neck is thoroughly cleaned before cooking.
- ✓Don't rush the simmering of the turkey neck; slow cooking yields tender meat.
- ✓The consistency of the kritharoto should be creamy, not dry.
- ✓If you can't find turkey neck, chicken necks can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of chicken and turkey broth.