Chef Rob Evans of Hugo’s in Portland, Maine, says that although he doesn’t manipulate turkey too much at Thanksgiving, there is one bird-related problem in his family: never enough gravy. So Rob braises extra turkey legs in a low oven, then reduces the rich braising liquid into a savory sauce. The tender leg meat is […]
By Yankee Magazine
Nov 01 2006
Chef Rob Evans of Hugo’s in Portland, Maine, says that although he doesn’t manipulate turkey too much at Thanksgiving, there is one bird-related problem in his family: never enough gravy. So Rob braises extra turkey legs in a low oven, then reduces the rich braising liquid into a savory sauce. The tender leg meat is served alongside the whole turkey.
1 cup flour
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 turkey legs
1 cup canola oil
3 carrots, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup leek greens, rinsed and coarsely chopped
2 bay leaves
10 allspice berries
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh sage
Heat oven to 200°. In a large mixing bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. Toss turkey legs in flour until lightly coated. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey legs, skin side down, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove legs from pan and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of oil from pan. Return to medium-high heat and add carrots and onion; sauté until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add tomato paste and stir to coat vegetables; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine, stir to combine, and cook until liquid is reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes. Return turkey legs to pan. Add remaining ingredients (liquid should just cover legs) and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and cover pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Place in oven and cook 4-1⁄2 to 5 hours. Turkey is done when easily pulled from bone with a fork.