Halal meats meet the religious eating requirements of many Islamic people around the world. 

 

There are many other reasons besides religious reasons, however, that people choose to purchase, prepare, and eat halal meats. 

 

These reasons include ethical reasons, taste preferences, and health benefits. Halal beef is not the only type of halal meat available. 

 

At your local halal grocery market, you can find delicious poultry as well. The next time that you are craving turkey, try a halal turkey. You just might fall in love with the taste and added benefits. If you have been eating halal for your whole life, try adding turkey to your meal rotation. The recipes at the end of this post can help you to add some variety to your daily meal plans.

 

Halal Turkey Process

 

The halal process for slaughtering animals adheres strictly to Islamic Law as defined by the text of the Koran. This process for slaughtering animals for human consumption is also called dhabihah. 

 

The process involves the swift cutting of the animal’s jugular vein, carotid artery, and windpipe. This is done in order to allow the blood to drain from the animal’s body. Before slaughter under halal standard, the animals also must be declared to be alive and healthy enough to be slaughtered. The animals are not allowed to be killed in front of one another.

 

The halal turkey process is no different than any other halal meat production process. When halal turkeys are slaughtered they must be alive and healthy. They must follow all of the halal guidelines for slaughter and blood drainage before they are prepared and sent out to halal grocery markets.

 

Halal Turkey Benefits

 

There are several benefits associated with preparing and eating halal turkey instead of regular turkey. Halal turkey benefits include fresher meat, more ethical production, and better taste. 

 

Standard, factory-farmed turkeys do not have to be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter. Many diseases and germs are killed by high temperatures in ovens and smokers, but it is far more preferable to eat meat taken from healthy animals.

 

Contamination issues can occur more often at meat production facilities that are less regulated. Halal meat production facilities have far more regulation.

 

Many people claim that halal meat tastes objectively better than nonhalal meat. If you think that you are not a fan of turkey meat, then you may want to try halal turkey meat to see if you like it better. 

 

When animals retain blood after they are killed, adulteration is possible. This can affect the smell, taste, and texture of the meat. Halal turkey and other halal meats will stay fresher and tastier longer than other meats will.

 

If you are concerned with animal welfare but you do not want to become a vegan or a vegetarian, then you may want to consider consuming halal turkey and other halal meats. Another benefit of halal turkey is that it is more ethical and humane to consume.

 

 

 

 

Halal Turkey Recipes

 

Halal turkey recipes can be found in recipe books. There are plenty of great options out there for halal-only recipe books. 

 

You can also use recipe books that are not specifically created for halal meats and adapt them to meet your needs. Online, there are plenty of websites and social media accounts that share in-depth instructions for halal turkey recipes.

 

Having the right halal turkey recipes on hand can help you to prepare meals more quickly and easily. 

 

As a start, here are three crowd-pleasing and simple to prepare halal turkey recipes that you can prepare for yourself or for your friends and family members. Try the halal Thanksgiving turkey recipe for a large family dinner and enjoy the other two recipes for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

 

Halal Thanksgiving Turkey with Gravy

 

This classic holiday recipe is even more delicious when prepared with a fresh, whole halal turkey. Serve with all of your favorite holiday side dishes or enjoy on its own. This is an excellent dish for large families or for entertaining events. 

 

Fresh herbs make this recipe especially fragrant but in a pinch dried herbs will also work just fine. This recipe also includes instructions for a simple gravy made from turkey drippings and juices.

 

INGREDIENTS

 

• 1 whole halal turkey
• 1 yellow onion
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 head of celery
• 2 carrots
• paprika
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 1 bunch of dill
• 1 bunch of thyme
• 4 lemons
• 2 sticks of butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• salt and pepper to taste

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. Dice carrots, onion, and celery.
2. Finely chop or grate garlic.
3. Finely chop herbs.
4. Preheat the oven according to the size of your turkey.
5. Pat your turkey dry.
6. Add turkey to a large baking pan, along with chopped vegetables.
7. Cover the turkey with butter both under and over the skin.
8. Add chopped garlic and herbs, as well as seasonings of your choice.
9. Halve lemons, squeeze some juice from them and leave in the baking tray.
10. Cook your turkey according to package instructions.
11. Make a roux using flour and oil.
12. Add turkey juices and drippings to the roux after cooking the turkey in order to make a gravy.
13. Serve turkey and gravy with potatoes, dressing, salad, or any other sides that you enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey, Hummus, and Vegetable Stuffed Pita Pockets

 

This lunch recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time and take with you to work or to school. It is also a healthy and nutritious option, especially when served with a cup of vegetable soup or a small side salad. If you do not like hummus, try another spread that you prefer inside of the pita pocket like baba ganoush or tzatziki.

 

INGREDIENTS

 

• 1 lb sliced halal turkey breast meat
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp paprika
• 4 Pita pockets
• 1 cup fresh hummus
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 whole cucumber
• 1 whole tomato
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 cup microgreens

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. Slice cucumber, tomato, and red onion thinly.
2. Halve and open each pita pocket.
3. Season turkey with turmeric, paprika, and other seasonings that you desire.
4. Spread hummus inside of the pita pocket.
5. Add sliced turkey along with a few spinach leaves, some sliced vegetables, and microgreens to finish.
6. Serve with chips or potato salad and a pickle for a delicious light lunch that everyone can enjoy.

 

Chopped Salad with Turkey, Cheese, Egg, and Vegetables

 

This classic, deli-style chopped salad recipe is revamped and upgraded with the addition of delicious halal turkey breast meat. Even people who think that they hate salads will enjoy this salad. It has enough filling toppings and ingredients to satisfy as a meal on its own.

 

 

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS

 

• 4 cups lettuce
• 4 cups spinach
• 1 lb halal turkey breast meat, diced
• 6 oz cheese of your choice
• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 whole cucumber
• 1 whole tomato
• 1/2 red Onion
• 1 cup croutons
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Salad dressing of your choice
• Fresh lemon

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. Rinse lettuce and spinach and add to a bowl.
2. Dice cucumber, tomato, red onion, halal turkey breast meat, and hard-boiled eggs.
3. Shred cheese of choice.
4. Add salad toppings to the bowl.
5. Dress and toss the salad.
6. Serve with fresh lemon as a garnish. This salad can be a refreshing lunch or a side dish.