| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 30g | 10g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 3g | 65g | 0.75g |
Why I Love Canadian Maple Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Legs
Heritage, to me, is a beautiful amalgamation of our past and present, where traditions meet and intertwine with our contemporary reality. In my journey into the culinary world, my Japanese roots and Pacific Northwest upbringing have significantly shaped all the dishes I make and love. Among the many that I’ve crafted, the Canadian recipe, Maple Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Legs, takes a unique place.
A Symphony of Flavors
The recipe, as the name suggests, is a delightful blend of succulent turkey legs, caramelized with a sweet glaze of maple syrup, which is a signature ingredient in Canadian cuisine, and wrapped in beautifully smoked bacon. The indulgent note of the bacon harmonizes with the sweetness of the maple, while key seasonings like garlic, sage, thyme, and onion powder further enhance the flavor profile, making it an irresistible treat.
Its resemblance to some of my favorite dishes, like the Japanese Yakitori and my Seattle-style smoked salmon, lies in the heart of this recipe – the intermingling of sweet and savory.
Inspiration and Pairings
The inspiration for this recipe came from renowned Canadian chef Michael Smith. Known for his passionate embodiment of Canadian regional cuisine, his passion for quality, local ingredients has led me to experiment and reimagine this delicacy.
This dish pairs remarkably well with side dishes that offers a refreshing contrast. A simple coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad provides a cooling effect that counterbalances the rich and hearty turkey legs. For a complete meal, pair it with classic baked potatoes or a warm rice pilaf.
In essence, the Maple Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Legs recipe is a flavorful journey, fusing the traditional Canadian flavors with a touch of my own culinary style. It represents the beauty of culinary exploration, where food does not merely satiate, but tells stories, builds connections, and evokes a sense of home, culture, and heritage. I invite you to try it in your kitchen, to savor and share, as I have in mine.
What You’ll Need
- 6 turkey legs
- 1 cup of maple syrup
- 18 strips of bacon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step Two
Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry with paper towels. Generously season the turkey legs all over with salt and pepper.
Step Three
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the turkey legs, ensuring to get it under the skin where possible.
Step Four
Wrap each turkey leg tightly with the bacon strips. You should have three strips of bacon for each turkey leg. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
Step Five
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon-wrapped turkey legs to the skillet and sear on all sides until the bacon is crispy. This will help to seal in the flavors and make the bacon more flavorful.
Step Six
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the turkey legs for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Brush the turkey legs with the maple syrup every 15 minutes during the roasting process for a glossy finish.
Step Seven
Once the turkey legs are cooked, remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and flavorful turkey legs.
Step Eight
Remove the toothpicks and serve your Maple Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Legs with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
