Turkey Stew with Prunes and Pearl Onions

Meal: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredient: Turkey
Season: Fall
Contributor: Food & Wine Magazine

Directions

4 SERVINGS

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole. Add 2 of the turkey drumsticks to the casserole, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until browned all over, about 8 minutes; transfer to a plate. Reduce the heat to moderate and repeat with the remaining 2 drumsticks and salt and pepper. Discard the fat.
2. Add the wine to the casserole and cook, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom, until it has reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Tie the thyme and rosemary into a bundle and add to the casserole along with the drumsticks and stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and braise in the oven for 1 1/2 hours, turning the drumsticks occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, soak the prunes in the brandy until plump, about 30 minutes. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the pearl onions and blanch for 2 minutes, then drain and let cool slightly. Trim the root ends of the onions and slip off the skins. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small skillet. Add the pearl onions and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the onions, prunes and any remaining brandy to the casserole. Cover and braise for 1 hour longer, or until the turkey drumsticks are tender.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the turkey, prunes and pearl onions to a platter. Discard the herb bundle. Skim the fat off the cooking liquid, then simmer the liquid over moderate heat until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 30 minutes. Return the turkey, prunes and onions to the casserole, simmer until hot and serve. Discard the turkey skin before eating.

MAKE AHEAD The stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

SERVE WITH Boiled noodles, steamed rice or boiled potatoes.

WINE A berry-flavored Zinfandel has the right amount of fruitiness and sweetness to complement the rich fruit-based sauce here. Pick a lighter example that won't overwhelm the turkey, such as the 2000 Quivira Dry Creek Valley or the 2000 Foppiano Dry Creek Valley.

NOTES ON SERVING: 503 calories, 9.0 gm total fat, 2.1 gm saturated fat, 34 gm carb.

Article courtesy of Food & Wine Magazine

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