A Hearty Roast from the Slovak Table: Garlic-Studded Turkey Thighs (Morčacie stehno na cesnaku)
Details
A simple, hearty roast where tender turkey and pungent garlic are the stars of the show.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Meat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the rolled turkey thigh and, using a sharp, narrow knife, make small incisions all over the meat. Insert the slivers of garlic and strips of bacon into the holes.
Season the Turkey
Generously salt and pepper the outside of the turkey thigh. In a small bowl, mix the sweet paprika, thyme, basil, and caraway seeds. Rub this spice blend all over the meat.
Arrange in the Pan
Place the seasoned turkey thigh in a roasting pan with the lard or oil. Arrange the chunks of onion and the two whole heads of garlic around the meat. Pour the water or broth into the bottom of the pan.
Roast to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 90 minutes. Turn the meat every 30 minutes to ensure even browning. The turkey is done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
Make the Gravy (Optional)
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest. To make a simple gravy, remove one of the roasted garlic heads, squeeze the soft, cooked cloves out of their skins into the pan with the onions and pan drippings. Use an immersion blender to blend everything into a smooth sauce. If it's too thick, add a splash more broth or water; if too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce.
Serve
Carve the rested turkey roll into slices and serve hot with the pan gravy, alongside roasted potatoes or your favorite steamed vegetables.
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