Braised turkey legs with creamy madeira mushrooms

Method

1. Heat the oven to 150°C fan/gas 3½. Season the turkey legs with plenty of salt. Put the butter and 1 tbsp oil in a casserole over a medium heat and add the turkey legs. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side to colour the skin, then transfer to a plate.
2. Add the onions to the casserole and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring, until starting to soften. Soak the dried mushrooms in 300ml boiled water. Add the bay, thyme and madeira to the casserole and leave to bubble until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the stock, plus the mushrooms and their soaking liquid (look out for any grit in the last few drops) and bring to a simmer.
3. Return the turkey legs to the casserole and transfer the dish to the oven. Cover and cook for 2½-3 hours until tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
Recipe continues after advertising
Advertisement
4. Set a large frying pan over a high heat and add the remaining oil. Halve or quarter the fresh mushrooms, then fry for 6-7 minutes, shaking the pan now and then until golden all over. Lift the turkey legs onto a plate then, if you like, shred them. Set the casserole over a medium heat, then stir in the mushrooms and cream. Bubble for 5 minutes, then stir in the shredded turkey or return the whole legs to the casserole. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed rice.