If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and fresh flavors, you’re going to adore this Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional hash that combines tender ground turkey infused with fragrant herbs, crispy golden potatoes, and sweet, mellow leeks. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and a warm, comforting flavor perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends and family, making it an instant favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the starchy potatoes creating that crisp crunch to the leeks adding a gentle oniony sweetness, while the blend of herbs lifts the turkey with fragrant and layered flavors.
- Ground turkey: This lean protein forms the hearty base of the dish, soaking up all the wonderful spices.
- Dried parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the turkey mixture beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Gives an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
- Dried basil: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and gorgeous color to the turkey.
- Fennel seeds: Introduce a delicate licorice-like hint that makes the hash uniquely aromatic.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Deliver a subtle kick to awaken your palate without overpowering the dish.
- Cooking oil: Needed for achieving those golden, crispy edges on the potatoes and leeks.
- Starchy potatoes: These are perfect for crisping up, thanks to their texture and moisture content.
- Leeks: Thinly sliced, they add a soft, sweet layer to the hash and a lovely aroma.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe
Step 1: Season the Turkey
Start by placing the ground turkey in a bowl and mixing in dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, fennel seeds, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. This herb and spice combination transforms the turkey into a flavorful powerhouse, making every bite bursting with warmth and depth. Blend it well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed before cooking.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
While your turkey marinates in flavor, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed starchy potatoes. Cook until they are mostly softened but still firm to the touch. This step is essential for cooking the potatoes evenly while ensuring they will develop that sought-after crispy exterior later on.
Step 3: Dry the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, place them back into the pot off the heat for a few minutes to dry out excess moisture. Dry potatoes crisp up better and give you that delightful golden crust you want in a hash.
Step 4: Crisp the Potatoes
Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the parboiled potatoes and let them cook, undisturbed, for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This slow frying method builds a gorgeous, crispy crust. When done, remove the potatoes and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 5: Sauté the Leeks
Wipe down your skillet, then add a bit more oil before tossing in the sliced leeks. Cover and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the leeks to become soft, sweet, and slightly caramelized. This gentle cooking mellows their flavor and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the crispy potatoes.
Step 6: Cook the Turkey
Add the seasoned ground turkey to the skillet with the leeks. Break it apart with your spatula and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked and begins to brown slightly. The combination of the herbs and spices will infuse the turkey with savory goodness as it cooks.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Finally, return the crispy potatoes to the skillet, folding them gently into the turkey and leeks. Allow everything to mingle over medium heat for an additional few minutes, so the flavors marry beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve your Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top is a simple yet fantastic way to add a pop of color and an extra herbal note that lifts every forkful. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of tangy sour cream or a runny fried egg on top can also enhance the dish’s richness.
Side Dishes
This hash stands proudly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed seasonal vegetables creates a wonderfully balanced meal. For brunch lovers, serve alongside buttered toast or warm tortillas for a hearty, satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, consider serving the hash in individual cast-iron skillets right at the table. Alternatively, scoop the hash into halved bell peppers or stuff it into avocado halves for a vibrant and visually appealing twist that’s sure to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the crispiness, separate the potatoes from the turkey mix if possible and re-crisp the potatoes when reheating.
Freezing
This hash freezes very well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your hash is in a skillet over medium heat, allowing the potatoes to regain their crisp edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that essential crispness, but if needed, microwave with a cover for shorter bursts and then finish in the pan.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even lean ground beef can work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Parboiling and drying the potatoes before frying is key. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan so the potatoes have space to crisp up evenly without steaming.
Can this hash be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the turkey for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils and increase the seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant.
What kind of potatoes is best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they crisp beautifully on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
Is it possible to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can parboil and dry the potatoes a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Season the turkey ahead too, making the final assembly and cooking quicker on the day you serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about this Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that’s easy to make yet offers incredible flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, this recipe will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to meals for cozy, delicious dining at home.
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Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Crispy Potato & Leek Turkey Hash that combines tender ground turkey seasoned with herbs and spices, crispy pan-fried potatoes, and sautéed leeks. This easy skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or dinner with fresh parsley garnish for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Turkey Seasoning:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Potatoes & Leeks:
- 3–4 tablespoons cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 pound starchy potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling potatoes)
- 3 medium leeks, thinly sliced
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Season turkey: In a bowl, combine the ground turkey with dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, fennel seeds, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Parboil potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a small pot of salted water (1 teaspoon salt). Boil them until they are mostly cooked but still firm to hold their shape, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Dry potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot off the heat and let them sit for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture. This helps achieve crispiness when frying.
- Cook potatoes: Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the parboiled potatoes and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and crispy all over. Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté leeks: Wipe out the skillet and add a bit more oil if needed. Add the sliced leeks, cover the pan, and sauté for 8-10 minutes over medium heat until soft and aromatic.
- Cook turkey: Add the seasoned ground turkey to the skillet with the leeks. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- Combine: Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet with the turkey and leeks. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors and heat through.
- Season and serve: Taste the hash and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious, crispy, and savory meal.
Notes
- Parboiling potatoes before frying helps achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior.
- You can substitute turkey with lean ground chicken or pork if preferred.
- Make sure to dry the potatoes well after boiling to prevent oil splatter and improve crispiness.
- Covering the leeks while sautéing helps them soften without browning too quickly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that all spices and oils used are gluten-free certified.
