Turkish Grilled Turkey Or Chicken With Tangy Herbed Yogurt Recipes

TURKISH-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN WITH YOGURT AND CUMIN (TAVUK IZGAR

Steps:

• Toast the cumin seeds in a small saute pan over medium heat until the seeds are fragrant and start to pop in the pan. Remove from the heat and grind in a spice grinder.
• Place the cumin, onion, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and pulse to liquify. Add the yogurt and pulse just until blended.
• Put the chicken thighs in a shallow non-aluminum baking dish or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well to coat. Let stand at room temperature at least 2 hours or cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat the broiler or BBQ. Thread the thighs, if using, on 4 skewers. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Broil or grill until the juices run clear, about 6 minutes each side. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

TURKISH GRILLED TURKEY OR CHICKEN WITH TANGY HERBED YOGURT

Steps:

• Prepare the turkey:
• Using very sturdy kitchen scissors, cut on either side of the backbone and remove it. With the turkey or chicken skin side down and using a large sturdy knife, place the blade of the knife in the center of the breast bone, lengthwise. Using a meat mallet, firmly whack the knife to partially split the bone. Press the turkey or chicken to flatten slightly. Turn the turkey skin side up and press until flattened. Starting from the neck end, work your hands between the skin and flesh, being careful not to tear the skin. Work your hands as far down the legs as possible
• In a small bowl, combine the pepper flakes with all but 1 teaspoon of the garlic paste, the salt, pepper, coriander and 1/2 cup of the oil. Rub half of the mixture under the skin.
• Set the turkey on a work surface skin side up and tuck the wing tips behind the shoulders. Using 2 very long metal skewers, pierce the turkey crosswise diagonally, from drumstick through the opposite breast and through the wing forming a big X. Using the third skewer, pierce the turkey sideways through each breast. Rub the remaining paste all over the turkey or chicken and set it in a baking dish. Add the lemon halves, cover with plastic and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Make the Tangy Herbed Yogurt:
• In another small bowl, combine the yogurt with the chives, oregano and remaining 1 teaspoon garlic paste. Season with salt and pepper and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
• Light a grill and oil the grates. Grill over medium flame for about 1 3/4 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until lightly charred in spots and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thigh nearest the joint registers 170°.
• Let the turkey or chicken rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with the yogurt sauce and Tabbouleh.

TURKISH MARINADE FOR CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl.
• Add chicken, cover & refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
• Grill, broil or bake chicken as desired.