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What Do You Do with the Turkey Tail?

What do you do with the turkey tail? A delicious plate of braised turkey tails with mushrooms, carrots, and rich gravy, served with mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh herbs.
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Discover the culinary and medicinal wonders of turkey tails—from rich soul food dishes to powerful mushroom teas. This guide explores every way to use this overlooked gem.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 turkey tails (bird)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt, garlic powder, paprika (to taste)
  • Dried turkey tail mushrooms (optional, for tea)
  • Water, honey, and lemon (for mushroom tea)

Instructions

  1. Clean turkey tails by rinsing under cold water and trimming any feather remnants or excess fat.
  2. Season with salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Sauté onions, celery, and bell pepper in a skillet until softened.
  4. Sprinkle in flour and stir until combined.
  5. Add broth gradually, stirring to create a thick gravy.
  6. Place turkey tails in a baking dish and pour gravy over them.
  7. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 1 hour. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes until browned.
  8. For tea: Simmer 1–2 tsp dried turkey tail mushrooms in water for 30 minutes. Strain and serve with honey and lemon.

Notes

Turkey tails from the bird are great for rich meals; mushrooms are ideal for teas. Always identify wild mushrooms correctly and preserve both types properly for long-term use.

Nutrition

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