Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs with Coffee Rub

Ingredients

• 2 turkey thighs ((bone-in, approx. 3/4 lb each))
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 8 cups water
• 3-4 large bay leaves
• 4-5 cloves garlic ((lightly crushed, or roughly chopped))
• 1/2 tablespoon ground coffee ((medium ground *see notes))
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder ((not garlic salt))
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Madras curry powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cayenne ((optional, if you like it spicy))
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter ((unsalted))
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Brine The Turkey ---

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix together the salt and water until the salt has dissolved

3. 3

   Add in bay leaves

4. 4

   Peel and gently crush (or roughly chop) the garlic and put it in the brine

5. 5

   Add the turkey into the brine

6. 6

   Brine overnight

7. 7

   --- Make the Coffee Rub ---

8. 8

   Combine all the ingredients in the 'Coffee Rub' section of the ingredients and set aside.

9. 9

   --- Make the Honey Butter Glaze ---

10. 10

    Melt the butter in a small pot or microwave. (If you use a microwave, heat it up in increments of 15 seconds so that it doesn't splatter everywhere)

11. 11

    Once the butter has melted or is soft, mix in the honey and soy sauce and set aside.

12. 12

    --- Prepare the Turkey for Oven Roasting ---

13. 13

    Preheat oven to 350F

14. 14

    Remove the turkey thighs from the brine and pat it down with paper towels to remove the excess moisture and brine.

15. 15

    Sprinkle the coffee rub over the top and bottoms of the turkey thigh and place the turkey in an oven-proof roasting pan. You can choose to rub the coffee rub into the turkey or sprinkle it evenly over the turkey in a thin layer.

16. 16

    Once the oven has reached 350F, add the turkey in and set a timer for 40 minutes

17. 17

    Once 40 minutes have passed, use a brush and dab the honey butter glaze over the turkey thighs. If the butter has separated, use a fork to mix everything together until it is a paste again - it doesn't need to be smooth.

18. 18

    Put it back in the oven for another 20 minutes It should have baked in the oven for a total of 60 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. The final internal temperature of the turkey should be between 165-170F.

19. 19

    (Optional) If you like sweet and savoury dishes, try brushing on a 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of honey on top of the turkey after you have removed it from the oven!

20. 20

    Save the drippings and serve it with the turkey, and sprinkle it with some chives! Enjoy!