Roast turkey

Oven-roasted turkey leg: A delicious and savory recipe

Preparing oven-roasted turkey leg is a tradition passed down through generations, bringing not just a tasty dish to the table but also moments of joy and satisfaction. This simple yet refined recipe will transform a turkey leg into a flavorful delight, perfect for a special occasion or a family weekend meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 3-4 hours (or overnight for a more intense flavor)
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 turkey leg (approximately 1.5-2 kg)
- 2 green garlic stalks
- 3 green onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup wine (preferably white or red, depending on preference)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil

Preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the turkey leg thoroughly under cold running water. Then, cut it into three pieces to allow for even marination and to reduce cooking time.

2. Preparing the aromatic ingredients: Wash the green onions and garlic well, then slice them finely. Peel the two garlic cloves and crush them using a garlic press or a fork to release their intense aroma.

3. Marinating: In a bowl, combine the wine, oil, salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, crushed garlic, and the bay leaf torn into small pieces. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous marinade. This marinade will give the meat a deep flavor and help tenderize it.

4. Marinating: Add the pieces of meat to the bowl with marinade and mix well to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or, ideally, overnight. The longer the meat marinates, the tastier it will be.

5. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to achieve a roast with a crispy crust and a juicy interior.

6. Baking: Place the pieces of meat, along with all the marinade, in a baking dish. If desired, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes to retain the meat's juiciness. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for another hour, turning the meat twice and basting it with the juices from the dish to prevent drying out.

7. Checking doneness: The roast is ready when the meat is tender and the juices that run out are clear. You can check it with a cooking thermometer: the internal temperature should be 75°C to be considered safe for consumption.

8. Resting the meat: Once the roast is ready, remove it from the oven and cover it with aluminum foil to let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier.

Serving

Oven-roasted turkey is delicious served alongside mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. You can add a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette to complete the meal. A glass of white or red wine pairs perfectly with this dish, enhancing the rich flavors of the meat.

Helpful tips

- Ingredients: Choose a quality turkey leg, preferably from a local supplier. Green garlic adds a delicate flavor, but you can also use regular garlic if needed. Use quality wine, as its flavor will intensify during cooking.
- Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to add a personal touch to your recipe. You can also replace the wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic marinade.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use another type of meat?* Yes, the recipe works well with other cuts of meat, such as turkey breast or chicken.
- *How can I keep the roast from drying out?* Make sure not to overcook it and let it rest before serving.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This oven-roasted turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, being low in fat and rich in essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of approximately 150 g of cooked meat contains about 250-300 calories. Turkey is also a good source of zinc, which plays a vital role in immune system function.

With this oven-roasted turkey recipe, you will not only create a delicious dish but also bring to the table a piece of culinary tradition that has united families over time. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!