11/17/2024
DARK MEAT RECIPE: some people love it, and some people hate it but to make dark meat amazing you need two things: acid and salt. Dark meat is oily, and just like pairing wine with cheese, it badly needs acid to clear the pallet of that sensation of greasiness. As for the second part, thoroughly salting the meat at least a day ahead of time in the fridge both draws out excess water for easier cooking and ensures good flavor. In this recipe for baked turkey thighs, we use lemons and good salting technique to bring out the best of the meat!
2 bone in skin on turkey thighs
3 golden beets cut into ¼ inch medallions
2lbs baby potatoes cut in half
2 lemons, zested
6 sprigs of fresh thyme
Olive oil
2 Tbsp Butter cut into cubes
Salt (enough to coat the thighs)
Salt your turkey thighs the day before and leave them in the fridge overnight.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
Cut up your beets and potatoes: either in ¼” thick medallions or diced. Toss the pieces generously with olive oil then transfer to baking dish.
Cut one of the zested lemons into medallions. Add the zest and slices of that lemon and sprigs of thyme to the baking dish.
Place your turkey thighs skin-side-up in the baking dish atop the bed of potatoes and beets.
Gently lift the skin of the thighs and insert the butter cubes under it.
Add the juice and zest of the second lemon over the top of the turkey thighs.
Add a last drizzle of olive oil over the thighs and then transfer to the oven.
Cook at 400 degrees for an hour, checking occasionally for an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Check multiple places on your turkey thigh. If additional time is needed check the temperature every 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven. Let the meat rest for about 20 minutes, and then carve and enjoy!