Plate Expectations: Sesame spiced roasted turkey thigh

I was excited to discover a new cut of meat – boneless, skinless turkey thigh at my butcher – and decided to make this recipe with it.  You could, of course, use chicken pieces if you prefer.  I have lightly dusted the meat in a sesame herb spice mix and then slow roasted it for two hours to tenderise.  Prepare up to two days in advance ready for the oven.

Method

1. Dust the meat in the spice mix.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Brown the turkey on both sides just to seal the spices and colour the flesh. Add the onions and cook for three minutes.
3. Transfer to an ovenware dish.
4.  Add the stock and wine/apple juice so the meat is covered.
5. Stir in the garlic, olives and lemon juice.
6.  Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F/Gas mark 3.
7.  Roast covered for two hours.
8. Remove from the oven. Place the meat on a carving board, cover with foil and leave to rest for 15 minutes
9. Slice the meat and return to the ovenware dish. Keep warm in the oven/ hot plate until ready to serve.

Ingredients

• Spice mix: 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1.2kg skinless, boneless turkey thigh
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 red onions – peeled and cut into crescents
• 500ml chicken stock
• 150ml white wine/apple juice
• 2 garlic cloves – peeled and finely chopped
• 150g pitted black olives – reserve 1-2 tbsp for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Garnish:  Sprigs of fresh thyme, lemon slices and a handful
of black olives

Preparation time: 20 Mins plus 15 mins to rest. Cooking time: 2 hours. Makes: Serves 4-6