These stuffed turkey legs are all about making moist, flavorful dark meat the star of the Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter
4 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and light green parts only
2 cups kale or collard greens, thinly sliced
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 (2-pound) turkey leg quarters, patted dry
4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
3 cups melted leeks with currants and sage
2 quarts turkey broth or chicken stock
1 cup dry white wine
Directions
Place the currants and wine in a small bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a silicone spatula, fold in the leeks until coated. Cook, stirring often, until the leeks are wilted to half their original volume, about 5 minutes. Fold in the kale and celery, and season with salt to taste. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the thyme, rosemary, sage, and currant and wine mixture. Increase the heat to high, and cook until all the liquid is evaporated about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon zest, and let cool before using.
Lay one turkey leg, skin side down, on a cutting board. Using a sharp, thin knife, cut along the white membrane that runs lengthwise down the thigh and leg until the blade hits bone. Continue cutting along and around the thigh and drumstick bones until the bones are fully exposed.
Slip the knife under the thigh bone and separate it from the meat. Repeat with the drumstick bone. Taking care not to pierce the meat and skin around the joint, use the tip of the knife to trace around the joint until it is free. Remove the bone; reserve it for another use. Repeat the procedure with the remaining leg.
Place one leg, skin side down, with a short end closest to you. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Spread half of the leeks in an even layer over the meat, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Repeat the procedure with the remaining leg, salt, pepper, and leeks.
Working with one leg at a time, roll the turkey leg by tucking the skin side into the stuffing to form a long cylinder. Arrange, seam side down, on a work surface. Repeat the procedure with the remaining leg.
Secure the legs with butcher's twine at 1-inch intervals, tying tightly to secure. Stuffed turkey legs may be wrapped in plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Bring the broth and wine to a simmer in a large Dutch oven, and season lightly with salt. Carefully place the legs in the broth. Add more broth if necessary to cover. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a very gentle simmer. Cover and cook until a thermometer inserted in the legs registers 165°F, about 1 hour.
Carefully transfer the legs to a large rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Let the meat rest for 15 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid; discard the solids. Reserve the strained cooking liquid for gravy.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roast the turkey until the skin is crisp, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds.