Galopoula Gemisti (stuffed turkey)


  • Ingredients
  • 1 turkey, 2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large onion, 1 stalk celery
  • 1 lb. chestnuts (cooked, peeled, chopped)
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. butter, 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste diluted in 1 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp. poultry seasoning, 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 2 cups stale bread (diced)
  • Lemon juice, olive oil



  • Directions
  • Chop onion and celery.
  • Brown onion and celery in the butter for 5 minutes (until golden and tender).
  • Add ground beef and brown.
  • Add half of the diluted tomato paste and stir.
  • Add bread, chestnuts, parsley and all seasonings (everything but the lemon juice and olive oil). Stir often.
  • Add remaining diluted tomato paste. You might want to add another 1/2 cup of water, if needed.
  • Cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Wash turkey inside and out after removing giblets from cavity.
  • Rub entire surface inside and out with salt and lemon juice, then add stuffing.
  • Rub top of turkey with olive oil.
  • Roast at 325 degrees for about 5 hours. Halfway through roasting, cover with foil.