Braised Turkey Legs with White Wine and Pancetta

Here is a great recipe for you to try for dinner.  Turkey legs are inexpensive and hearty try it for a new twist to your dinners.  Serve with egg noodles and a salad your family will love it.

Braised Turkey Legs with White Wine and Pancetta

5 Turkey Legs
3 sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
6 oz of chopped pancetta or 3/4 cup(Can substitute with bacon)
3 shallots chopped small dice
3-4 cups of good chicken stock (Kitchen basics recommended)
2 1/2 cups of white chardonney wine or half a bottle
2 garlic cloves minced
3 tablespoons of canola oil


Preparation:

Equipment:  Heavy braising pot or deep sautee pan or Dutch Oven type vessel with a good lid.
Preheat oven to 300 F

 Heat Dutch oven let it get hot then add oil,  season turkey legs with Kosher salt and pepper.  Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side.  Add only 2 at a time so you don't overcrowd the pan and the legs don't create steam around them, you want nice dry heat.

Remove the legs lower the heat to medium and saute pancetta or bacon for about 6 minutes add shallots and garlic and saute for another 6-10 minutes until the pancetta rendered all the fat and shallots are caramelized. 

Add wine to deglaze, scrape all bacon bits and turkey bits or (Fond) left on the bottom of pan let the alcohol evaporate for another 5 minutes.   Add turkey legs back in, 3 cups of stock (depending how big your pot is you may need to add another cup of stock.  Add thyme, bay leaf, sprinkle some kosher salt and cover and let it come to a boil.   Place it in the oven and cook for about 2 hours.

Happy cooking.!