PASTURE RAISED TURKEY, THIGHS

Here’s a recipe to bring out the best in pasture-raised turkey thighs. The slow-roasting method highlights their rich flavor and tenderizes the meat.

Herb-Roasted Pasture-Raised Turkey Thighs

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 pasture-raised turkey thighs (about 1.5–2 lbs each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 cup chicken or turkey stock
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional, for added depth)
• 1 large onion (sliced into rounds)
• 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the turkey thighs: Pat the thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp up.

3. Make the herb rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Rub this mixture generously all over the turkey thighs.

4. Layer the pan: In a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet, spread the onion slices as a bed for the turkey. Pour the chicken stock and white wine (if using) into the pan.

5. Place turkey on the bed: Arrange the thighs skin-side up on top of the onions.

6. Roast: Cover loosely with foil and roast for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 30–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey thighs reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

7. Crisp the skin (optional): For extra crispy skin, switch to broil for 3–5 minutes at the end of roasting. Watch closely to prevent burning.

8. Rest: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs and drizzle the pan juices over the turkey. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes.

This recipe emphasizes the natural flavor of pasture-raised turkey, which tends to be more robust than conventionally raised poultry. Enjoy!