Nothing says fall quite like a warm and savory turkey knuckles recipe. With just the right blend of flavors, including garlic and rosemary, this traditional dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re in the mood for something that reminds you of home cooked meals or looking for a unique taste sensation – this recipe will deliver! Follow our step-by-step guide to making your own mouthwatering meal with all the key ingredients needed to make your bird really sing with flavor. From mise en place to roasting techniques, we provide everything you need to take your homemade dinner up a notch. Bon appetit!
What are the ingredients for turkey knuckles?
To make this classic dish, you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Turkey knuckles (2 to 3 per person)
– Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
– Garlic cloves (3 minced)
– Fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon chopped)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable stock or broth (2 cups)
– Butter (1 tablespoon)
– All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon)
– Heavy cream or half and half (½ cup).
How do I prepare turkey knuckles?
To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F. Rinse the knuckles under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the knuckles in a large roasting pan and brush them lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the top of the knuckles.
Next, pour 2 cups of vegetable stock or broth into the bottom of the roasting pan and cover it tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, flipping the knuckles once halfway through cooking.
Once the turkey knuckles are done baking, remove them from the oven and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk together until combined. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add the remaining 2 cups of vegetable stock or broth from the roasting pan to the skillet, whisking continuously to combine. Increase the heat and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Add in ½ cup of heavy cream or half and half and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
What other proteins can I make using this recipe?
This same recipe works great with pork shanks, lamb shanks, and beef shanks. Simply swap out the turkey knuckles for your preferred type of meat. The cooking times may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
You can also use this recipe with chicken thighs or drumsticks – either bone-in or boneless. For boneless chicken thighs, reduce the baking time to about 15 minutes or until cooked through. For bone-in chicken thighs, increase the baking time to about 35 minutes or until cooked through.
How do you cook turkey knuckles?
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Next, take your turkey knuckles and place them in a roasting pan. Rub the olive oil and butter mixture all over the turkey pieces, making sure to evenly coat them. Sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper then give them one final mix.
Once seasoned properly, place the roasting pan in the oven and let the knuckles roast for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
Are there any tips for making the best turkey knuckles?
Yes! Here are a couple of tips to help you make the best turkey knuckles:
– Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more flavor.
– Cook at a lower temperature for longer in order to lock in moisture and keep your bird juicy.
– Let your turkey rest before cutting into it, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and make your meat even more tender.
– If you’re not sure when the turkey is done, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The safe temperature for cooked poultry is 165°F (74°C).
– For extra flavor, brush the knuckles with melted butter or olive oil before roasting.
– Add vegetables to the roasting pan for a complete, balanced meal.
– Use the cooking liquid from the roasting pan to make a delicious gravy or sauce.
– Leftover turkey knuckles can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to cook turkey knuckles?
It takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes to cook turkey knuckles in the oven. To check if they are done, use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t forget to let them rest for 10 minutes before serving! For extra flavor, you can brush with melted butter or olive oil before roasting. And if you’re adding vegetables to the pan, make sure they are cut small enough to cook through in that time frame.
What temperature should turkey knuckles be cooked at?
Turkey knuckles should be cooked at a temperature of 350°F (180°C). Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature before taking them out of the oven. The safe temperature for cooked poultry is 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What goes well with turkey knuckles?
Turkey knuckles pair well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve them alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. A tart and creamy sauce like cranberry-orange relish or an herbed pan gravy will add some extra flavor to your meal. You can also add other vegetables to the roasting pan for a complete, balanced meal.
Can I make the recipe with other types of meat?
Yes, you can use this same recipe to cook pork shanks, lamb shanks, and beef shanks. Cooking times may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly. You can also use this recipe with chicken thighs or drumsticks – either bone-in or boneless. For boneless chicken thighs, reduce the baking time to about 15 minutes or until cooked through. For bone-in chicken thighs, increase the baking time to about 35 minutes or until cooked through. No matter what type of meat you are using, make sure to check the internal temperature with a thermometer before serving. The safe temperature for cooked poultry and meats is 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Turkey knuckles make a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed all year round. With the right seasoning, a bit of patience, and some simple tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect roasted turkey knuckles every time. Thanks for reading! We hope this guide was helpful in getting you started on your journey to making delicious turkey knuckles. Enjoy!
