Description
Succulent herb-infused roast turkey delights palates with its aromatic blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage. Crisp golden skin and juicy meat promise a memorable holiday centerpiece that will impress guests and satisfy hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14-16 lbs or 6.35–7.26 kg) Mary’s Free Range or Organic Turkey
- 4 (32 oz or 946 ml) organic vegetable broth containers
- 1 cup Natural Grocers® Brand Bulk Real Salt
- ½ cup Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Coconut Sugar
- 1 tbsp Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Black Peppercorns
- 1 ½ tsp Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Whole Allspice
- 2 tbsps Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Crystalized Ginger, roughly chopped
- Natural Grocers Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 medium organic onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 medium organic lemon, quartered
- 1 small organic apple, roughly chopped
- 1 stalk organic celery, roughly chopped
- 4 medium sprigs organic rosemary
- 2–3 sprigs organic sage
Instructions
- Thawing Preparation: Gradually defrost turkey in refrigerator over two to three days, maintaining consistent cool temperature.
- Brine Infusion: Craft a flavor-rich liquid by simmering vegetable broth with salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, and crystallized ginger until sugar dissolves completely, then cool and refrigerate.
- Brining Process: Merge cooled spice-infused broth with additional vegetable broth and water, fully submerging turkey breast-side down in a food-safe container for 8-16 hours to enhance moisture and depth of flavor.
- Oven Preparation: Position oven rack at lowest level and preheat to 500°F for initial high-heat roasting.
- Turkey Preparation: Rinse turkey thoroughly, pat dry meticulously, and massage entire surface with olive oil for optimal browning and moisture retention.
- Aromatic Stuffing: Fill turkey cavity with fresh onion, lemon, apple, celery, rosemary, and sage, creating a fragrant internal flavor profile.
- Initial Roasting: Place turkey on roasting rack with wing tips tucked, roast at 500°F for 30 minutes to develop a crisp, golden exterior.
- Slow Cooking: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and continue roasting for 2-2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 161°F.
- Resting Stage: Remove from oven, cover with foil, and allow 20-30 minutes resting time to redistribute internal juices before carving.
Notes
- Thaw Strategically: Always defrost turkey slowly in refrigerator or temperature-controlled cooler to prevent bacterial growth and maintain meat quality.
- Brine Brilliance: Submerge turkey for 8-16 hours to guarantee maximum moisture, flavor penetration, and tender meat texture.
- Temperature Control: Use precise oven temperature shifts—start at 500°F for crispy skin, then reduce to 350°F for even, thorough cooking.
- Rest and Redistribute: Allow turkey to rest 20-30 minutes after cooking to ensure juices redistribute, creating succulent, perfectly moistened meat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 2500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg