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Perfect Roast Turkey

Perfect Roast Turkey
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If you’re searching for a delightful centerpiece to elevate your next family gathering, look no further than this Perfect Roast Turkey recipe. This tender, herb-brined turkey is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it the ideal dish for any occasion—be it a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home. With its succulent meat and golden-brown skin, this roast turkey will surely impress your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 teaspoon juniper berries
  • 1 large or two small fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 6 whole large fresh sage leaves
  • 2 good sized sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 3 whole medium garlic cloves, crushed
  • Peel of one large navel orange
  • 1 large apple, chopped or crushed fine, core and all
  • 2 quarts vegetable stock
  • 1 gallon of ice water, or more as needed to cover turkey during the brining process
  • 2 stalks of celery with leaves, roughly cut
  • 2 large carrots, cleaned but not peeled with tops trimmed off, roughly cut
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and roughly cut
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 1 bunch parsley with stems
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine by mixing kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, juniper berries, herbs, garlic cloves, orange peel, apple pieces, and vegetable stock in a large pot. Stir until dissolved and let cool.
  2. Submerge the turkey in the cooled brine and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly; pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack above chopped vegetables in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  5. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
  6. Let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://lilrecipe.com/perfect-roast-turkey/