Delicious Thyme-Roasted Turkey and Gravy recipe for your holiday feast
1.Thyme-Roasted Turkey:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven
to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Turkey:
- Remove the
giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
- Rinse the turkey
inside and out under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl,
mix the softened butter with chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the herb
butter all over the turkey, including under the skin.
4. Stuff the Turkey:
- Place the
quartered onion, halved lemon, and peeled garlic cloves inside the turkey
cavity.
5. Truss the Turkey:
- Tie the turkey
legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.
6. Roasting:
- Place the turkey
on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Pour the chicken
or turkey broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the turkey
in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices, until the
internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh
(about 3 to 4 hours for a 12-15 pound turkey).
7. Resting:
- Once done, tent
the turkey with foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
2.Turkey Gravy:
Ingredients:
- Drippings from the roasted turkey
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make Roux:
- In a saucepan,
combine the flour with a quarter cup of drippings from the roasted turkey over
medium heat. Stir continuously until the flour is lightly browned.
2. Add Broth:
- Gradually whisk
in the turkey or chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Simmer:
- Simmer the gravy
until it thickens, stirring constantly. Season with salt and black pepper to
taste.
4. Strain:
- Strain the gravy
to remove any solids, leaving you with a smooth and flavorful sauce.
5. Serve:
- Pour the
thyme-roasted turkey gravy into a serving dish, garnish with fresh thyme if
desired, and serve alongside the carved turkey.
Enjoy your Thyme-Roasted Turkey with flavorful gravy for a
festive and delicious holiday meal!