Loaded Turkey & Cheese Fries with Pork Scratching Crumble

Ingredients

• 750g frozen French fries

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 500g lean turkey mince

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 200ml chicken stock (ensure gluten-free if aiming for GF)

• 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated

• 50g pork scratchings, crushed

• 2-3 jalapeños, thinly sliced (fresh or pickled, optional for spice)

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake according to package instructions, usually 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.

2. Cook the Turkey Mince: While the fries are baking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Add the chopped onion to the pan with the turkey mince and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it's well combined with the turkey mixture. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavours to meld.

5. Assemble the Loaded Fries: Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the oven. You can either serve them directly on a large platter or divide them among individual serving plates.

6. Top with Turkey and Cheese: Spoon the hot turkey mince mixture evenly over the crispy fries. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top of the turkey.

7. Melt the Cheese: Return the platter or plates to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can use a grill (broiler) for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.

8. Add the Crunch and Garnish: Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the crushed pork scratchings over the melted cheese. Garnish with sliced jalapeños (if using) and spring onions.

9. Serve Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These loaded fries are a meal in themselves, perfect for a casual dinner or a hearty snack. They're excellent for sharing amongst friends during a game night or a relaxed evening. A side of cooling sour cream or a dollop of guacamole could also complement the dish.

Pairing Tips

This rich, savoury, and slightly spicy dish demands a beer that can stand up to its bold flavours and cut through the richness. We recommend:

• American Pale Ale (APA) or IPA: The hop bitterness and citrus notes will cut through the cheese and turkey, while complementing the spices and a hint of jalapeño heat.

• Amber Ale: A malty, slightly sweet Amber Ale can provide a lovely balance to the savoury turkey and cheese, with enough body to hold its own.

• Lager: A crisp, clean lager can be a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites and making you ready for more.

• Dry Cider: A robust, dry cider with good acidity can also be a surprisingly good match, offering a crisp counterpoint to the richness.