Smoked Turkey Legs with Herb Marinade

Ingredients

• 4 legs turkey legs
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups wood chips (hickory or apple)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.

2. 2

   Place the turkey legs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the herb marinade over the turkey legs, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. 3

   Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using a charcoal smoker, prepare the coals and add 2 cups of soaked wood chips to the smoker box.

4. 4

   Remove the turkey legs from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade.

5. 5

   Place the turkey legs in the smoker, ensuring they are not touching each other. Smoke the turkey legs for approximately 4 to 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. 6

   Once cooked, remove the turkey legs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

7. 7

   Serve the smoked turkey legs with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw or baked beans, and enjoy your hearty lunch!