CONFIT TURKEY WITH CHILES AND GARLIC

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Confit Turkey With Chiles and Garlic image

With the texture of duck confit, and extra-rich, deep flavor closer to pork carnitas than your average Thanksgiving bird, these turkey legs beg to fall apart with the push of a fork

Provided by Chris Morocco

Categories     Thanksgiving     Dinner     Pepper     turkey     Garlic     Chile Pepper     Oregano     Almond     Peanut     Sesame     Hot Pepper     Dairy Free     Soy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 4 - 6 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
2 tsp. cracked black pepper
2 Tbsp. plus ¼ tsp. kosher salt
2 whole turkey legs (4-5 lb. total)
6 garlic cloves, smashed, plus 2 heads of garlic, divided
8 guajillo, ancho, or New Mexico chiles, stems and seeds removed
4 sprigs oregano or 1 tsp. dried oregano
3-4 cups (or more) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. (or more) crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup unsalted roasted almonds or peanuts
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

  • Combine brown sugar, black pepper, and 2 Tbsp. kosher salt in a small bowl. Place turkey legs in a baking dish just big enough to fit them or a medium Dutch oven. Sprinkle all over with brown sugar mixture and scatter smashed garlic cloves around. Let sit at room temperature at least 2 hours, or chill up to 12 hours (more time makes a big difference).
  • Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 275°F. Cut heads of garlic heads in half crosswise. Nestle around turkey legs along with chiles and oregano sprigs. Pour in oil until turkey is mostly if not completely submerged (shove chiles down since they can burn if above the surface of the oil). You may need a bit more oil depending on your pot and size of turkey legs; don't worry, this oil can be reused in all kinds of ways so it won't go to waste!
  • Braise turkey, uncovered, until meat has shrunk away from drumsticks dramatically and meat shreds easily with firm pressure, 3-4 hours (a few bubbles is okay, but anything above a lazy simmer and you should reduce the heat). Let meat rest, still submerged in fat, at least 1 hour.
  • Pick out chiles from braising oil with tongs and place in a blender; add red pepper flakes and 1 cup braising oil. Let cool slightly, then blend until chiles are coarsely chopped. Add almonds and pulse until largest pieces are no bigger than a red pepper flake. Add sesame seeds and pulse just to combine. Season with remaining ¼ tsp. salt and add more red pepper flakes if desired.
  • If eating right away, heat 2 Tbsp. braising oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey legs, carefully turning with 2 pairs of tongs, until brown and crisp all over, 8-10 minutes. Serve with the almond-chile sauce.
  • Don't discard the braising oil or the juices below: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container. Skim off fat to use for roasting potatoes, or your next confit project. Use juices in another braise, or stir into a pot of beans.
  • Do ahead: Turkey can be braised 4 days ahead. Let cool, cover and chill (still in oil). Reheat, uncovered, in a 275°F oven until warmed through, about 40 minutes, before browning.

Fiyej Miah
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This recipe is a must-try for any turkey lover. The chiles and garlic give the turkey a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to impress your guests. The slow-cooking process also ensures that the turkey is cooked to perfection. I highly recommend


Sulayo Buks
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I was skeptical about this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I tried it! The turkey was incredibly moist and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and delicious. I served it with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and it was a perfect meal. I will de


Noujumul Hason
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This recipe is amazing! I've made it twice now, and it's been a hit both times. The turkey is so juicy and flavorful, and the sauce is to die for. I love that it's a one-pot meal, so it's easy to clean up. I highly recommend this recipe!


Shidah Pounds
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This recipe was a bit too complicated for me. I'm not a very experienced cook, and I found the instructions to be a bit confusing. The turkey also turned out a bit dry. I think I'll stick to simpler recipes in the future.


Belen Dehoyos
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This recipe is a great way to spice up your holiday turkey dinner. The chiles and garlic add a nice kick of heat, and the slow-cooking process makes the turkey incredibly tender and moist. I served it with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and


SK AKOSH. GAMOr
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and always turns out perfectly. The turkey is always moist and juicy, and the sauce is flavorful and delicious. I've made this recipe several times, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


alo king
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This recipe is definitely a keeper! The turkey was so moist and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and delicious. I served it with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and it was a perfect meal. I highly recommend this recipe!


Shelina Akhter
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Meh. I've had better. The turkey was a bit dry, and the sauce was bland. I wouldn't recommend this recipe.


Kalema Mike
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This recipe was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I can see how others might enjoy it. The turkey itself was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was flavorful. I would recommend using less chiles next time.


Jeanpaul Balbi santos
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I'm not usually a fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind. The slow-cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender and moist, and the chiles and garlic add just the right amount of spice. I'll be making this again soon!


Siti Saodah
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OMG! This turkey is finger-licking good! The crispy skin, the succulent meat, and the flavorful sauce... it's a party in my mouth. I'm definitely making this again for Thanksgiving.


Michael Archibong
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This confit turkey recipe is a game-changer! The combination of chiles and garlic creates a fantastic depth of flavor that perfectly complements the tender, juicy turkey. I served it with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and it was a hit with