Rosemary Roasted Turkey Recipe Taste of Home from www.tasteofhome.com
Introduction
Roast turkey is a classic dish that is often served during special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It's a perfect centerpiece for any festive table and is usually accompanied by a variety of sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Roasting a turkey may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and cooking techniques, it's actually quite simple.
Ingredients
To make a delicious roast turkey, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 tablespoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 2 teaspoons paprika - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - 1 onion, quartered - 2 stalks celery, chopped - 2 carrots, chopped - 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Before you start cooking, remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour. This will help it cook more evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Set aside. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the melted butter and olive oil all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin and in the cavity. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Stuff the Turkey
Place the onion, celery, and carrots inside the turkey cavity. This will add flavor to the turkey as it cooks. You can also add other herbs like sage and parsley if you like.
Step 4: Tie the Turkey
Using kitchen twine, tie the legs together and tuck the wings under the body of the turkey. This will help the turkey cook more evenly and prevent the wings and legs from burning.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey on a roasting pan with a rack. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This will keep the turkey moist as it cooks and also make a delicious gravy. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey (usually the thigh) reaches 165°F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Rest the Turkey
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey more tender and juicy.
Step 7: Carve the Turkey
Using a sharp knife, carve the turkey into slices and serve with your favorite sides and gravy.
Nutrition
Here's the approximate nutrition information for a 4-ounce serving of roast turkey: - Calories: 170 - Protein: 30g - Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 0g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 0g - Sodium: 80mg Roast turkey is a great source of protein and is low in fat and carbohydrates. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.
Conclusion
Roast turkey is a classic dish that is perfect for any special occasion. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, it's easy to make a delicious and flavorful turkey that will impress your guests. Don't be intimidated by the process – give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!