Herb-Seasoned Turkey Recipe 🦃

Overview:

This Herb-Seasoned Turkey recipe is a masterpiece in moistness and flavor, perfect for any occasion but especially fitting for Thanksgiving feasts or large gatherings. With a blend of fresh herbs and a meticulous cooking process, this turkey promises to be the star of your dining table, leaving everyone craving for more!

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Servings: 16

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh rosemary leaf
• 1 Italian parsley
• 1 fresh thyme leave
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 16 – 18 pound turkey
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 whole sage leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare Herb Mixture:

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   • Mince the rosemary leaves, parsley, and thyme to make 1 tablespoon each, reserving the remaining sprigs for later use. Combine them with olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper in a bowl, creating a fragrant herb-oil mixture. Set it aside for later use.

2. Prep the Turkey:

   • Remove and discard the leg truss from the turkey, along with any excess fat. Also, remove the giblets and neck, discarding them. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.

3. Herb Infusion:

   • Tuck the remaining fresh herb sprigs and bay leaves inside the body cavity of the turkey. This step ensures that the bird gets infused with delightful herb flavors during the cooking process.

4. Preheat and Position:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a v-shaped rack in a 12- by 17-inch roasting pan, then position the turkey breast up on the rack. If desired, retruss the turkey legs for a neat appearance.

5. Coat with Herb Oil:

   • Brush the entire turkey with the prepared oil-herb mixture, ensuring every inch is coated evenly. This step not only adds flavor but also helps in browning the skin beautifully.

6. Add Water and Cover:

   • Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan, enough to cover the bottom. This water serves a dual purpose: keeping the turkey moist by creating steam and preventing drippings from sticking to the pan, facilitating the preparation of delicious gravy. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.

7. Insert Thermometer:

   • Insert a meat thermometer through the thickest part of the turkey breast, ensuring it reaches the bone. This will help you monitor the turkey’s internal temperature throughout the cooking process. If necessary, tear a small hole in the foil to insert the thermometer.

8. Roasting:

   • Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for 2 to 3 hours, depending on its size. Cook until the thickest part of the turkey reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last 45 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to crisp up and develop a golden hue.

9. Prevent Over-Browning:

   • If you notice that the wing and leg tips start to darken too quickly before the turkey is fully cooked, cover them with small pieces of foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring even cooking.

10. Rest and Carve:

    • Once cooked to perfection, transfer the turkey to a platter and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and succulent bird. After resting, carve the turkey into slices and serve.

11. Gravy Preparation Tip:

    • To prepare the gravy, pour the drippings into a heavy-duty zip-top bag, such as a freezer bag, and let it stand for 15 minutes to allow the oil to separate. Snip a small slit in the bottom corner of the bag and let the juices drain into your gravy pan, leaving behind the fat for easy removal.

12. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Serve your herb-seasoned turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas that will undoubtedly impress your guests. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion, this moist and flavorful turkey is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 754.3
• Total Fat: 39.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 11.4g
• Cholesterol: 312.5mg
• Sodium: 380.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 92.7g

This Herb-Seasoned Turkey recipe is not just about cooking a bird; it’s about creating a culinary masterpiece that brings joy and satisfaction to everyone gathered around the table. With the perfect blend of herbs, a moist and tender texture, and a crispy golden skin, this turkey recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your holiday feast to new heights of deliciousness!