Honey Brined Turkey With Cream Gravy
๐ Cook Time: 4 hours
๐ Prep Time: 24 hours
๐ Total Time: 28 hours
Description:
This turkey recipe takes the concept of brining to a whole new level by infusing the meat with a tantalizing blend of water, salt, honey, and aromatic seasonings. The result? An exceptionally tender and flavorful turkey that will be the star of any holiday feast. Be sure to plan ahead, as the turkey requires at least 24 hours of brining time before it’s ready to roast to perfection.
Recipe Category:
Poultry
Keywords:
Meat, Christmas, Thanksgiving, For Large Groups, Oven
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1177.9
- Fat Content: 58.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 437.8mg
- Sodium Content: 16668mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.5g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 20.9g
- Protein Content: 129.9g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 19-20 lbs | Turkey |
| 8 cups | Water |
| 2 cups | Coarse salt |
| 1 cup | Honey |
| 2 bunches | Fresh thyme |
| 8 cloves | Garlic cloves |
| 2 tsp | Black pepper |
| 2 | Lemons |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 5 cups | Reduced-sodium chicken broth |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Celery rib |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 5 tbsp | Butter |
| 5 tbsp | Flour |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Brine:
- Line an extra-large stockpot with a heavy, large plastic bag (about 30-gallon capacity).
- Rinse the turkey and place it in the plastic bag.
- In a large pot, stir together 8 quarts of water, 2 cups of coarse salt, and 1 cup of honey until the salt and honey dissolve.
- Add a bunch of fresh thyme, peeled garlic cloves, and black pepper to the pot.
- Pour the brine over the turkey in the plastic bag.
- Gather the plastic bag tightly around the turkey to ensure it’s covered with the brine, then seal the bag.
- Refrigerate the pot with the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours and up to 18 hours.
-
Roast the Turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF and position the rack in the bottom third of the oven.
- Drain the turkey well and discard the brine.
- Pat the turkey dry inside and out, then squeeze the juice from the lemon halves into the main cavity.
- Add the lemon rinds and the remaining bunch of fresh thyme to the main cavity.
- Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs together loosely to hold the shape.
- Place the turkey on a rack set in a large roasting pan and rub it all over with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Roast the turkey for 1 hour, then baste it with 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Continue to roast until the turkey is deep brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180ยฐF, basting with 1 cup of chicken broth every 30 minutes. If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. This should take about 2 1/2 hours longer.
- Transfer the turkey to a platter, tent it loosely with foil, and let it stand for 30 minutes.
- Pour the pan juices into a glass measuring cup, spoon off the fat, and reserve.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- Place the reserved turkey neck, heart, and gizzard into a large saucepan.
- Add 6 cups of water, 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth, carrot, onion, celery, and bay leaf to the saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat until the turkey stock is reduced to 3 cups, which should take about 2 hours.
- Strain the mixture into a bowl, reserving the turkey neck and giblets. Pull the meat off the neck, chop it, and set it aside.
- In a heavy, large saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 5 tablespoons of flour and whisk for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey stock, cream, and up to 1 cup of reserved turkey pan juices (adjust according to taste).
- Simmer the gravy until thickened to the desired consistency, whisking occasionally, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped turkey neck meat and giblets, season to taste with pepper, and serve the turkey with the gravy.
This honey-brined turkey with cream gravy is a labor of love that will reward you with a beautifully moist and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. Enjoy the rich, succulent meat accompanied by the velvety smoothness of the cream gravyโa culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
