I was looking for a 12-foot chain to pull out willow trees as I walked down the hardware aisle at Goodwill Industries.
But instead of chains I turned and standing there was my friend, Hank. Hank’s life was always up and down — I’d say from what he drank.
His given name was Henry but he went by Hank for short. He was known throughout the valley as a kind but troubled sort.
Hank’s desperate eyes lit up when I reached out and shook his hand. His voice was rambling such that I could barely understand.
He was shaking in his shoes and then he said, “I need a cook. I made a promise to the gals. Can you get me off the hook?”.
“The Women’s Farm Society has planned their yearly feast. I couldn’t boil hot water, let alone use baker’s yeast. ”.
He was absolutely pitiful, and panic filled his eyes. That’s when my mind reflected how about those turkey fries?.
“Hank,” I said, “I’ll be your cook ‘cuz it’s your lucky day. We’ll give those farm folks turkey fries, a meal the homemade way. ”.
“Let’s feed ‘em mashed potatoes with some peppered sauce on top. And a slice of turkey breast with all the veggies from their crop. ”.
“Last of all warm apple pie, and make it a la mode. The folks will be so doggone full they’ll think they might explode. ”.
Hank was chomping at the bit but questioned, “Turkey Fries?” I said, “They’re made of turkey. When you see, you’ll recognize. ”.
We readied for the banquet, every hour a steady pace. So, we started with the turkey fries and served them after grace.
The guests ate mashed potatoes with a slice of turkey breast. But the turkey fries were disappearing faster than the rest.
I heard one farmer chuckle. Said, “I’ve ate those things before. ” But he didn’t say another word. Most farmers knew for sure.
The turkey fries were by and large the favorite of the night. The gals were gobbling down the fries with not an end in sight.
One farmer’s wife declared she’d like to have the recipe, and how to cook a turkey fry. She’d even pay a fee.
So, I told the woman what they were. You should have seen her eyes. When I said, “They’re turkey testicles just nicknamed turkey fries. ”.
Tucked away in the menus of some rural Midwestern restaurants lies an unusual appetizer known as turkey fries. But what exactly are these curiously named items? Let’s unravel the mystery behind this regional delicacy.
The Literal Meaning
Turkey fries are quite literally seasoned, breaded, and deep-fried turkey testicles. Yes, you read that correctly – they are fried turkey testicles, also referred to as “turkey nuts” or “gobbler testicles.” For the uninitiated, this dish can come as a shock. But turkey fries have a cult following in parts of the American Midwest.
The origins of turkey fries are unclear, but they seem to have emerged from old farmhouse traditions of frying up unwanted scraps after butchering turkeys The novelty of these fried nuggets eventually made them an item on some local restaurant menus Turkey fries offer adventurous eaters a glimpse into regional cuisine.
Preparation and Cooking
Making turkey fries is a multi-step process:
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The testicles are first thoroughly cleaned, trimmed, and peeled.
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They are parboiled to remove impurities and soften the texture.
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After cooling, the parboiled testicles are sliced into oval medallions.
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The slices are tossed in a seasoned flour or cornmeal coating.
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They are dipped in milk then back into the dry mixture to adhere the batter.
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Finally, the coated medallions are deep fried until crispy and golden brown.
Proper prep and cooking helps make these odd bits palatable. The key is gentle parboiling and a well-sealed coating.
Texture and Flavor Profile
So what do turkey fries actually taste and feel like? The flavor is often described as mildly gamey, similar to chicken livers with a faint hint of turkey essence.
The texture falls somewhere between chewy calamari and the firmness of cow tongue. The outer batter provides a crispy contrast to the gelatinous, bouncy interior.
Overall, turkey fries offer a unique experience for the culinarily daring. The taste profile blends meaty, rich notes with crispy fried goodness.
Cultural Significance
Turkey fries exemplify the resourcefulness of Midwestern food culture. Rural communities found inventive ways to consume unwanted animal parts without waste.
Today, turkey fries represent local pride and adventurous eating spirit. You can find turkey fries at festivals, county fairs, and family-owned restaurants in rural swaths of Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Arkansas.
For locals, gobbling down these taboo morsels is a badge of honor. Turkey fries persist as a prized regional specialty.
Accompaniments and Dipping Sauces
Turkey fries are often served piled in a paper basket or on a shareable platter. They can be found on menus next to other fried fare like chicken wings, onion rings, and okra.
Popular dipping sauces include creamy ranch, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, or traditional ketchup for dredging. Cold beers or ciders make ideal turkey fry beverage pairings.
Trying Turkey Fries Yourself
Tracking down turkey fries can prove challenging since they remain a niche food item. Your best bets are hole-in-the-wall taverns and rural roadside cafes in the Midwest. Don’t expect to find turkey fries at mainstream restaurants.
If you’re feeling daring, you can attempt making turkey fries at home. Use very fresh testicles, clean meticulously, parboil thoroughly, and keep the oil nice and hot for the crispiest coating.
Are Turkey Fries Safe To Eat?
When prepared properly by an experienced cook, turkey fries pose no greater safety risk than any other meat. The parboiling and frying steps mitigate potential hazards when working with organ meats. As with any regional novelty food, it comes down to good hygiene practices.
The Takeaway
Turkey fries are a unique Midwestern tradition combining adventurous eating, rural resourcefulness, and regional pride. Their unusual nature makes turkey fries a memorable experience for visitors. But for loyal locals, gobbling down these deep-fried nuggets is just another Turkey Day tradition.
So next time you stumble upon turkey fries on a menu in rural Missouri, don’t knock them till you try them. You may just gain a newfound appreciation for Midwestern food inventions. Just be sure to ask for a side of ranch dressing!
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Fries
What part of the turkey do turkey fries come from?
Turkey fries are made from the testicles or testes of male turkeys. They contain no other turkey meat.
Are turkey fries a real food that people eat?
Yes, turkey fries are an authentic regional appetizer found at some restaurants in the American Midwest. They have a cult following in the area.
What do turkey fries taste and feel like when you eat them?
The taste is described as mildly gamey with a meaty, turkey-like flavor. The texture is gelatinous yet bouncy when cooked correctly. The crisp outer coating provides contrast.
Why did turkey fries become a food tradition?
They emerged from old farmhouse practices of frying up leftover scraps after butchering turkeys. The novelty eventually made them menu items at some eateries.
Do you have to be brave to eat turkey fries?
Turkey fries are definitely an adventure for the culinarily daring! An open mind and adventurous spirit help when trying this unique delicacy.
Are there any food safety concerns with eating turkey fries?
When prepared properly, turkey fries don’t pose any greater risks than other fried items. Proper handling and cooking mitigate potential hazards.
What’s the best dipping sauce to eat with turkey fries?
Cool ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and ketchup are popular dipping partners. Fried favorites like turkey fries also pair nicely with cold beers or hard ciders.
Where can you find turkey fries on a restaurant menu?
They are mostly limited to small taverns and rural cafes in the Midwestern U.S. You likely won’t find turkey fries at mainstream dining spots.
