Herb-Brined Turkey
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. + brining Bake: 3-3/4 hours + standing
YIELD: 14 servings.
For an impressive main course, look here. The moist, flavorful bird will have guests counting the minutes until carving time. — Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Ingredients
-
2 cups kosher salt
-
1 cup packed brown sugar
-
5 fresh sage leaves
-
1 fresh thyme sprig
-
1 fresh rosemary sprig
-
2 quarts water
-
2 quarts cold water
-
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
-
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
-
HERB BUTTER:
-
2 cups butter, softened
-
1/2 cup olive oil
-
1 cup packed fresh parsley sprigs
-
1/3 cup fresh sage leaves
-
1/3 cup fresh rosemary leaves
-
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
-
2 garlic cloves
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon pepper
Directions
-
1.
In a stockpot, combine the salt, brown sugar, sage, thyme, rosemary and 2 quarts water. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add the cold water to cool the brine to room temperature.
-
2.
Place a turkey-size oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add turkey. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bags and turn to coat. Place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours, turning occasionally.
-
3.
Drain and discard brine; rinse turkey and pat dry. Tie drumsticks together. Place the remaining ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey breast; rub half of the butter mixture under skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks. Rub remaining butter mixture over skin.
-
4.
Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake at 450° for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°; bake 2-1/2 to 3 hours longer or until thermometer reads 180°, basting twice during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.
-
5.
Remove turkey to a serving platter; cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition Facts
10 ounces cooked turkey: 837 calories, 59g fat (25g saturated fat), 315mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 73g protein.
© 2024 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC