Braised Turkey Legs

1. Stage

Brown the turkey legs and thighs: Sprinkle turkey thighs and legs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan with high sides on medium high heat. Add the turkey legs and thighs to the pan and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 to 8 minutes.

2. Stage

Add the chopped onion and celery: to form a nest under the turkey pieces. Sauté an additional 5 minutes.

3. Stage

Braise until tender: Add 2 cups of braising liquid—either water, stock, wine, or a combination. Bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and cover. Simmer covered, on low heat, for an hour and a half, or until the turkey is so well cooked and tender that the meat easily falls off of the bones.

4. Stage

Remove the turkey meat from the pan and remove the bones: taking special care to remove the many small narrow bones of the legs. Remove the skin.

5. Stage

Cook the potatoes and root vegetables (optional): Add the vegetables to the pan with the turkey braising liquid. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer on medium high heat. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook covered, until done, about 20 minutes. When done, remove the vegetables from the pan so you can reduce the remaining liquid to make a sauce.

6. Stage

Make the sauce: Increase the heat to high and bring the remaining liquid in the pot to a boil. Reduce the liquid remaining in the pan by half to intensify some of the meat juices for added flavor. Take a teaspoon of cornstarch and dissolve in a 1/2 cup of water. Add cornstarch mixture a little at a time to sauce, adding more liquid, until the sauce achieves the desired body. Adjust seasoning. Add salt and pepper if needed, add a little cayenne or Tabasco sauce. If the sauce is too sweet, add a little vinegar or lemon. Add parsley.

7. Stage

Add the turkey and vegetables back to the pan: Serve immediately over rice or bread or with the vegetables if you have chosen to make them. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!