Cocoa Roasted Turkey

By chefjaci

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 turkey thighs (about 3-3/4 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup white rice
• 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts
• 2 bananas, halved lengthwise

Preparation

Step 1

1.Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa and 1 tablespoon salt. Rub the turkey with the oil and sprinkle with the cocoa mixture. Roast the turkey, skin side up, until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°, about 50 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil.

2.Add 3/4 cup water to the roasting pan and simmer over medium heat, scraping up the browned bits.

3.Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and coriander and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups water, the rice and 3/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in the peanuts.

4.In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the banana slices and cook until lightly browned on each side; season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve the turkey with the peanut rice, fried bananas and pan gravy.