Herb-Rubbed Turkey
Country Woman
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If you're looking for a new twist on turkey, Ruby Bergschneider's recipe may just be the one. The Jacksonville, Illinois cook prepares a well-blended, salt-free rub that goes under the turkey skin. She removes the skin before eating, resulting in a low-fat entree. This recipe proves that you don't need a lot of salt for good flavor.
SERVINGS: 21
CATEGORY: Lower Fat
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 2-1/4 hours + standing
Ingredients:
- 1 turkey (14 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 turkey-size oven roasting bag
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 small carrots, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small potato, sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon each ground allspice, ginger and mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions:
Pat turkey dry. Place flour in oven bag and shake to coat. Place the bag in a roasting pan; add celery, carrots, onion and potato. Combine the garlic, sage, thyme, pepper, allspice, ginger, mustard and cayenne; sprinkle 5 teaspoons over vegetables.
Carefully loosen skin of turkey. Rub half of the remaining seasoning mixture under the skin; rub remaining mixture inside cavity. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together.
Place turkey, breast side up, over vegetables; close bag with nylon tie. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag. Bake at 325° for 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh reads 180°.
Remove turkey to a serving platter and keep warm. Let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Strain contents of oven bag into a small saucepan; skim fat. Discard vegetables. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with turkey. Yield: 14 servings.