LEMON-HERB TURKEY WITH BAY BUTTER AND GRAVY
Bay leaves, rosemary, and lemon zest are tucked under the skin of this turkey and gently perfume the meat with a fragrant, floral flavor. Then the roast turkey is set on fresh bay branches for a dramatic presentation.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Turkey Recipes
Time 3h45m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine butter and 3 tablespoons salt. Lightly pound bay leaves and two-thirds of rosemary in a mortar-and-pestle (or roll over a few times in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin), keeping leaves intact.
- Using your fingers, separate turkey skin from breasts and legs. Rub half of butter mixture under skin. Tuck bay-rosemary mixture and lemon zest evenly under skin. Season both cavities with salt; stuff with all but 3 sprigs thyme and all but 3 sprigs remaining rosemary. Rub outside of turkey all over with remaining butter mixture. Transfer turkey to a roasting pan lined with a rack and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 24 hours and up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature 1 to 2 hours before roasting.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in lower third. Prick whole lemons all over with the tines of a fork. Stuff 2 lemons into larger cavity, along with 1 head garlic; tie legs with kitchen twine. Stuff remaining lemon into neck cavity. Pour 1 cup stock into pan. Add remaining 1 head garlic.
- Roast turkey 1 hour. Continue roasting, basting every 20 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh (near but not touching bone) registers 165°, 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes more, depending on size. If pan becomes dry during roasting, add more stock, 1/2 cup at a time. Transfer turkey to a carving board or platter; let stand at least 20 minutes before carving.
- Meanwhile, remove rack from pan. Tilt pan and skim excess fat from drippings (or use a fat separator). Place pan across 2 burners. Carefully remove lemon from neck cavity and squeeze 1 to 2 tablespoons juice into drippings; squeeze cloves of roasted garlic from pan into drippings. Add remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups stock; boil until reduced by half and thickened slightly, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and more squeezes of lemon juice to taste. Strain gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Carve turkey and serve with gravy.
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Ahmed Gujar
[email protected]This turkey recipe is amazing! The turkey was so tender and juicy, and the flavors were out of this world. I loved the combination of lemon, herbs, and bay butter. This is definitely a recipe I'll be making again and again.
Gypsy Angel
[email protected]I'm not usually a fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind. The turkey was cooked perfectly and the flavors were incredible. I especially loved the crispy skin. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Ryder poulin
[email protected]This turkey recipe is a winner! The turkey was moist and flavorful, and the bay butter and gravy were the perfect finishing touches. I will definitely be making this recipe again.
Umar malana umar malana
[email protected]I was really impressed with this turkey recipe. The turkey was cooked evenly and the flavors were well-balanced. I loved the combination of lemon and herbs. The bay butter and gravy were also delicious.
Myka Szczucki
[email protected]This turkey recipe is a game-changer! The turkey was cooked to perfection and the flavors were out of this world. I especially loved the crispy skin. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Gloria Cheatum
[email protected]I've made this turkey recipe several times now and it's always a hit. The turkey is always moist and flavorful, and the bay butter and gravy are the perfect accompaniments. I love that this recipe is relatively easy to make, even for a beginner cook.
Poping Keha
[email protected]This turkey recipe is a must-try! The turkey was perfectly cooked and the flavors were absolutely delicious. The combination of lemon, herbs, and bay butter was perfect. I highly recommend this recipe for any special occasion.
Oranye Chinedu
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind. The turkey was cooked perfectly and the flavors were incredible. The lemon and herb flavors were subtle but present, and the bay butter and gravy were the perfect finishing touches.
Mahin Ahmed
[email protected]This turkey recipe is amazing! The meat was so tender and juicy, and the flavors were out of this world. I loved the combination of lemon, herbs, and bay butter. This is definitely a recipe I'll be making again and again.
Edward Enriquez
[email protected]I was a bit skeptical about this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I tried it. The turkey was incredibly moist and flavorful, and the bay butter and gravy were the perfect accompaniments. This will definitely be my go-to turkey recipe from now on.
Agankhan Agankhan
[email protected]This turkey recipe is a winner! The lemon and herb flavors are perfectly balanced, and the bay butter and gravy add a touch of richness and elegance. I highly recommend this recipe for any special occasion.
Aziza sani Adem
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of cooking turkey, but this recipe made it easy and enjoyable. The turkey was cooked to perfection and the flavors were delicious. I'll definitely be making this again.
Subash Kandal
[email protected]This turkey recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make and the results are always impressive. The turkey is moist and flavorful, and the bay butter and gravy are the perfect finishing touches.
Chisom Aboma
[email protected]I've made this turkey recipe several times now and it always turns out perfectly. The meat is moist and juicy, and the skin is crispy and flavorful. I love the lemony flavor that the herbs and bay butter add to the dish.
Nadira Rhaman Labuni
[email protected]I made this turkey for Thanksgiving dinner and it was a huge success. The turkey was perfectly cooked and the flavors were amazing. My guests raved about it all night long.
Silvaneus wifey material Johnson Jr
[email protected]This recipe was easy to follow and produced a delicious turkey. The lemon and herb flavors were subtle but present, and the bay butter and gravy were the perfect accompaniments. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.
Peterson Official
[email protected]I'm not usually a fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind. The meat was moist and flavorful, and the crispy skin was to die for. I'll definitely be making this again.
Aiden Greenwood
[email protected]This turkey was a hit with my family! The lemon and herb flavors were perfectly balanced, and the bay butter and gravy added a touch of elegance. I will definitely be making this again for special occasions.