Turkey is low in fat and a single 5-ounce serving provides nearly 50 percent of the recommended daily allowance of B, B1, B6, potassium and zinc, nutrients that are known to assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, boost the immune system and fight against cancer and heart disease. This delicious alternative to red meat is inexpensive and easy to prepare. Pre-packaged smoked turkey legs, available for a fraction of the cost of other meats, are moist and delicious when cooked properly. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
Slow Cooker
1. Rinse turkey legs under cold water and pat dry. Place in the bottom of a slow cooker with ½ cup of water or broth.
2. Pare carrots and cut into quarters and position around the turkey legs. Prepare fresh potatoes and cut into quarters. Add to the slow cooker.
3. Set the slower cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the meat falls from the bone on the turkey legs. This tender meat resembles the flavor of cooked ham. Serves 4 to 6 people. Reserve any leftovers to add to bean or lentil dishes.
Soup
4. Cover the turkey legs with water. Add diced onions and celery and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until the meat falls from the bone. Remove the turkey legs to a platter to cool. Strain the vegetables and stray bones with a colander, reserving the broth.
5. Remove the turkey from the bones and cut into bite size pieces. Return to the broth and add diced carrots and potatoes. Add 1/4 cup of barley and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the barley is soft. Pasta, beans or lentils can be substituted for barley.
6. Season to taste with a dash of pepper. Serve hot with fresh baked biscuits or crusty Italian bread. Serves 4 to 6 people.
Tags: turkey legs, falls from, falls from bone, from bone, into quarters, meat falls