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Turkey Osso Buco

4.2

(9)

Image may contain Food Dish and Meal
Photo by Romulo Yanes

This play on osso buco forgoes veal for the dark meat of turkey legs. A vibrant gremolata made from lemon and orange zest and fresh parsley offsets the richness of the meat.

Cooks' Note

Turkey can be braised 2 days ahead and cooled in sauce, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat in sauce, covered, in a 350°F oven.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    3 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

For osso buco:

5 1/2 to 6 pounds whole fresh turkey legs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 to 8 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 flat anchovy fillets, rinsed, patted dry, and chopped
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (16 fluid ounces)
1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice, drained, reserving juice, and chopped

For gremolata:

1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest

Special Equipment

parchment paper

Preparation

  1. Make ossobuco:

    Step 1

    Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

    Step 2

    Pat turkey legs dry. Stir together flour, salt, and pepper, then dredge 1 leg in flour mixture, knocking off excess. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown leg, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes, and transfer to a large (17- by 12-inch) roasting pan. Meanwhile, dredge another leg. Continue to prepare, brown, and transfer legs in same manner, adding up to 4 tablespoons oil to skillet as needed.

    Step 3

    Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet, then add onion and anchovies and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until onion is golden and anchovies are dissolved, 7 to 8 minutes. Add wine and boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes, then stir in broth and tomatoes with their juice.

    Step 4

    Pour liquid over turkey legs and cover surface with a sheet of parchment paper, then tightly cover pan with foil. Transfer to oven and braise until meat is very tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Transfer legs to a cutting board and cut them into thigh and drumstick portions, then transfer to a deep platter. Skim off fat from sauce. If sauce measures more than 3 cups, boil until reduced. Season sauce with salt and pepper and pour over turkey.

  2. Make gremolata:

    Step 5

    Stir together garlic, parsley, and zests and sprinkle over turkey just before serving.

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