Maple Glazed Turkey Thighs

This dish is sure to bring smiles to anyone craving a succulent meat dish accompanied by roasted vegetables. Try to remember to take the thighs out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. They’ll cook more evenly and quicker if not too chilled when they go in the oven.

3 lbs (1.5 kg) bone-in turkey thighs
2 Tbsp (30 mL) grapeseed oil, divided
3 Tbsp (45 mL) pure maple syrup
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme 
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided
1 1/2 lbs (750 g) mini potatoes, halved
10 oz (285 g) pearl onions, peeled
1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh rosemary
1 lemon, sliced into 1/4 in (0.6 cm) rounds

Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Pat turkey dry with paper towel and place in large roasting pan skin side up.

In small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil, maple syrup, lemon zest, thyme, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt. Brush half of maple mixture over turkey. Roast until skin has browned and some fat has rendered, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss together potatoes, onions, rosemary, remaining oil, and remaining salt. Remove turkey thighs and scatter potato mixture in bottom of pan. Top potatoes with turkey, skin side down, and brush remaining maple mixture over meat. Scatter lemon slices over top. Roast until food thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh (not touching bone) registers 165 F (74 C), about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on size of thighs.

Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. If potatoes are not tender by the time turkey has cooked through, remove turkey from pan, cover to keep warm, and return pan to oven until potatoes are cooked to desired doneness.

Serve thighs alongside vegetables and spoon pan sauce over top.

Serves 5.

Each serving contains: 440 calories; 40 g protein; 16 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 34 g total carbohydrates (10 g sugars; 5 g fibre); 335 mg sodium

source: "Gobble, Gobble", alive #384, October 2014