Savory Slow-Cooked Turkey Osso Bucco
Experience a delightful twist on the classic Osso Bucco with this Savory Slow-Cooked Turkey Osso Bucco! This recipe utilizes economical turkey legs, capturing the same rich flavors and tender textures associated with traditional Osso Bucco. The slow-cooking process allows the deep flavors of garlic, wine, and tomatoes to meld beautifully with the turkey, resulting in a hearty dish that promises satisfaction in every bite. Perfectly complemented by the bright notes of gremolata, this dish serves as a comforting meal whether paired with creamy Risotto Milanese, saffron rice, or simple white rice. Enjoy the leftovers – if you have any! They pack even more flavor the next day, and this dish freezes wonderfully for future enjoyment.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon (Rub over turkey legs)
Turkey Legs
2 whole (about 3-1/4 pounds total) (Cut at joints into drumsticks and thighs, skin removed)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped)
Carrots
2 medium (Peeled and chopped)
Celery Ribs
2 (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
6 (Minced (4 for cooking, 2 for gremolata))
Dry Red Wine
1/2 cup (For deglazing the pan)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (With juice)
Fresh Italian Parsley
1/4 cup (Finely chopped for gremolata)
Lemon Zest
1 teaspoon (Grated for gremolata)
Instructions
1
Begin by rubbing the dried thyme over the turkey legs, then season with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned turkey in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 8 minutes until tender.
3
Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and continue to sauté for an additional minute to release their fragrance.
4
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey.
5
Pour the dry red wine into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 1 minute, reducing it by one-third.
6
Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) to the slow cooker, and pour the reduced wine over the turkey and vegetable mixture.
7
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 5.5 hours, or until the turkey is very tender and falling off the bone.
8
In a small bowl, combine the remaining minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon zest to create a vibrant gremolata.
9
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the turkey from the pot. Shred the meat from the bones and distribute it evenly into serving bowls.
10
Taste and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper as needed, then generously spoon the sauce over the pulled turkey.
11
Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh gremolata before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Turkey Osso Bucco recipe?
The main protein used is turkey legs, approximately 3-1/4 pounds, cut at the joints into drumsticks and thighs with the skin removed.
How should the turkey legs be prepared before cooking?
The turkey legs should be rubbed with dried thyme and seasoned with salt and pepper before being placed in the slow cooker.
What is the recommended size for the slow cooker?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe to accommodate the turkey and vegetable mixture.
How long does the turkey need to cook in the slow cooker?
The turkey should be cooked on the high setting for approximately 5.5 hours.
What are the primary vegetables used in the base of this dish?
The base vegetables include two medium onions, two medium peeled carrots, and two chopped celery ribs.
What type of wine is used for deglazing the pan?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry red wine to deglaze the skillet.
How do you prepare the wine before adding it to the slow cooker?
Bring the wine to a boil in the skillet and allow it to reduce by one-third, which takes about one minute.
What kind of tomatoes are required for this recipe?
One 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, is added to the slow cooker.
What is a gremolata?
A gremolata is a fresh condiment made of minced garlic, parsley, and lemon zest used to top the finished dish.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
A total of 6 garlic cloves are needed: 4 for the main cooking process and 2 for the gremolata.
What ingredients are in the gremolata for this dish?
The gremolata consists of 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, and 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
How do you know when the turkey is finished cooking?
The turkey is ready when the meat is very tender and easily falls off the bone.
What is the best way to serve the cooked turkey?
The turkey should be removed with a slotted spoon, shredded from the bones, placed in bowls, and topped with the sauce and gremolata.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully for future meals.
Are the leftovers good the next day?
Yes, the leftovers often have even more flavor the next day as the ingredients continue to meld.
What side dishes pair well with Turkey Osso Bucco?
It is perfectly complemented by creamy Risotto Milanese, saffron rice, or simple white rice.
Do I need to keep the skin on the turkey?
No, the recipe specifies that the skin should be removed from the turkey legs.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The onions, carrots, and celery should be sautéed for about 8 minutes until they are tender.
When should the garlic be added during the sautéing process?
Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet after the other vegetables have sautéed for 8 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
How much dried thyme is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it uses economical turkey legs to replicate the rich flavors of a traditional veal Osso Bucco.
What type of parsley is best for the gremolata?
Fresh Italian parsley is recommended for the best flavor in the gremolata.
How much lemon zest is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, the tomatoes should be added to the slow cooker with their juice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is rubbing dried thyme over the turkey legs and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
When do you add the gremolata to the dish?
The fresh gremolata is sprinkled on top of each serving immediately before serving.
What should you do with the cooking sauce before serving?
You should taste and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper as needed before spooning it over the shredded turkey.
Can I use a different setting on the slow cooker?
The recipe specifically recommends the high setting for 5.5 hours for optimal tenderness.
How many servings does this recipe typically provide?
While not explicitly stated, using 3-1/4 pounds of turkey legs typically serves 4 to 6 people.