Turkey Leg Confit with Leeks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and tender – The slow-cooking process results in incredibly moist and flavorful turkey.
• Crispy skin – After confiting, a quick sear creates a golden, crispy exterior.
• Make-ahead friendly – Confit can be stored for days, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
• Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Despite the long cooking time, the hands-on preparation is easy and straightforward.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 turkey legs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups duck fat or olive oil
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup white wine (optional)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Season the turkey legs: Pat dry the turkey legs and rub them with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Let them rest in the refrigerator overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare for confit: Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the turkey legs in an oven-safe dish and completely submerge them in duck fat or olive oil.
3. Slow-cook: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone.
4. Prepare the leeks: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of the reserved cooking fat over medium heat. Sauté the leeks and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Add white wine and cook until reduced.
5. Crisp the turkey: Remove the turkey legs from the fat and pat them dry. Sear them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until the skin is crispy.
6. Serve: Plate the turkey confit over the sautéed leeks, garnish with lemon zest and fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight resting)
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Total Time: 4+ hours

Variations

• Herb-Infused Confit – Add rosemary, sage, or bay leaves to the cooking fat for extra aroma.
• Spicy Twist – Rub the turkey legs with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Wine-Braised Leeks – Use a mix of white wine and chicken broth to enhance the leek’s natural sweetness.
• Citrus Infused – Add orange or lemon slices to the fat for a bright, citrusy depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store turkey legs submerged in the cooking fat in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The confit can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

FAQs

1. What is confit?

Confit is a traditional French cooking method where meat is slowly cooked in fat at a low temperature for tenderness and preservation.

2. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, chicken legs or thighs work well with the same confit technique.

3. What fat should I use for turkey confit?

Duck fat is traditional, but olive oil or a neutral oil like canola works too.

4. Do I have to crisp the turkey after cooking?

No, but crisping adds a delicious contrast to the tender meat.

5. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, confit tastes even better after resting. Store it in fat and reheat when needed.

6. What can I serve with turkey leg confit?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for balance.

7. Can I cook the leeks in the same fat?

Absolutely! Cooking leeks in the confit fat adds incredible depth to the dish.

8. How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?

Keep it fully submerged in fat while cooking and store it in fat for maximum moisture.

9. Can I use store-bought duck fat?

Yes! You can find duck fat in specialty stores or online.

10. Is confit unhealthy?

While rich, confit is naturally low-carb and full of flavor, making it great for indulgent meals in moderation.

Conclusion

Turkey leg confit with leeks is an elegant yet comforting dish, perfect for slow cooking lovers. With its rich, tender meat and caramelized leeks, it’s a standout meal that’s well worth the time. Whether for a special occasion or an indulgent weekend dinner, this recipe delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy

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