Braised Turkey Legs Dinner Recipe
This braised turkey legs recipe features rich, tender meat paired with cranberries, soy sauce, star anise, and sweet potatoes for a hearty and rustic dinner option. Perfect for a special Sunday meal or a cozy Thanksgiving gathering, it combines bold flavors and comforting textures for a memorable dining experience.
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Large bowl
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Mixture:
- ⅔ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 4 scallions white and green parts, chopped
- 4 whole star anise pods 2 broken into halves
- 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove grated or minced
- 3 tablespoons peanut or safflower oil
- ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries thawed
For the Turkey and Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 turkey drumsticks about 6 pounds total, patted dry
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more as needed
- 1½ pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons coconut or safflower oil
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Mixture: Combine ⅓ cup water, soy sauce, ½ cup honey, dry sherry, scallions, 2 whole star anise pods (keep the remaining halves for later), ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a small bowl, discarding the solids, and whisk in the peanut or safflower oil. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade in another small bowl, mix it with the cranberries and the remaining 1 tablespoon honey, and toss to coat. Reserve both the strained marinade and the cranberry mixture.
- Season and Marinate the Turkey: Sprinkle the turkey drumsticks with 1½ teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Place them in a large bowl and pour the strained marinade over the top, ensuring the drumsticks are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. If marinating overnight, also refrigerate the cranberry mixture.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F.
- Prepare the Drumsticks for Roasting: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and arrange the marinated drumsticks on the sheet. Sprinkle the reserved star anise halves over the drumsticks. Roast the turkey in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Toss the sweet potato chunks with coconut or safflower oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out evenly on another rimmed baking sheet and add the thyme sprigs. Once the drumsticks have been roasting for 15 minutes, place the sweet potatoes in the oven to cook alongside them.
- Adjust the Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: After 30 minutes, turn the drumsticks over and lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Toss the sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking. Pour the cranberry mixture over the drumsticks and return to the oven. Continue roasting until the turkey is tender, the cranberries are glossy and caramelized, and the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20 to 35 more minutes. Remove the sweet potatoes once they are golden and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the sauce from the baking sheet over the drumsticks and sweet potatoes for added flavor.
Notes
- Pair this dish with an arugula or spinach salad for a complete meal.
- For a more robust flavor, marinate the turkey overnight.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to preserve the glaze and texture.
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