Turkey steak

Turkey Roast with Rosemary – A Delicious Recipe for Special Moments

On a warm family Sunday, I prepared a turkey roast that turned out to be a real success! This simple yet flavorful recipe will transform any meal into a memorable feast. Here’s how to prepare it step by step, to achieve a juicy and aromatic dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey leg (approximately 1.5 - 2 kg)
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons of mustard (optional, but recommended for an intense flavor)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Preparing the turkey leg
The first thing you need to do is ensure that the turkey leg is clean. Wash it well under cold running water and check for any feathers or remnants. Use a clean kitchen towel to dry it thoroughly. This step is essential because wet meat will not brown nicely in the oven.

Step 2: Marinating the meat
In a bowl, combine the mustard, olive oil, finely chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth paste. This marinade will give the meat a perfect flavor, and the mustard will help tenderize it.
A helpful tip: let the marinade rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 3: Coating the leg
Once the marinade is ready, take the turkey leg and coat it with this mixture. Make sure to cover it well, including under the skin, to intensify the flavors. Now, it’s time to let the meat rest. Cover the leg with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This waiting time allows the mustard and rosemary to penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Preparing the oven
While the leg is resting, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius to warm up. It’s important for the temperature to be consistent for even baking.

Step 5: Baking the turkey leg
After an hour has passed, take the leg out of the refrigerator and place it in a baking dish where you have added a splash of oil and a little water. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and then put it in the oven. Let the leg bake for 45 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow a delicious golden crust to form.

Step 6: Serving
Once the baking time is up, take the leg out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Serve the roast with baked potatoes or mashed potatoes and a crunchy white cabbage salad.

Serving suggestion:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a white wine sauce or a mushroom sauce alongside your roast. This detail will turn it into a true feast.

Nutritional information:
This turkey roast is an excellent source of protein and, depending on the chosen sides, can provide a balanced and filling meal. The turkey leg is leaner than other types of red meat and is rich in B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute turkey with chicken or duck, but the baking time will vary.

2. How can I store the roast?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can use them in salads or delicious sandwiches.

3. What sides go best with it?
Besides potatoes, wild rice or steamed vegetables are excellent options.

4. Can I make the marinade with other herbs?
Of course! Depending on your preferences, you can use thyme, oregano, or sage to change the flavor profile.

This turkey roast with rosemary is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and put your personal touch on the recipe, so it truly becomes yours. Enjoy your meal!