Best 9 Roast Turkey With Cider Sage Gravy Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Savor the Thanksgiving Feast: Roast Turkey with Cider-Sage Gravy and an Array of Delectable Side Dishes**

As the autumn leaves paint a vibrant tapestry and the air fills with the scent of roasted turkey, it's time to gather loved ones around the table for a Thanksgiving feast like no other. At the heart of this culinary celebration is the majestic roast turkey, browned to perfection and infused with the aromatic blend of cider and sage. Alongside the succulent turkey, an array of delectable side dishes awaits, each contributing unique flavors and textures to create a harmonious symphony of tastes.

From the creamy smoothness of mashed potatoes and the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce to the hearty stuffing bursting with savory aromas, every dish in this Thanksgiving spread promises to tantalize taste buds. And to elevate the experience further, a rich and velvety cider-sage gravy, infused with the essence of roasted turkey, serves as the perfect accompaniment, adding a layer of umami that ties all the elements together.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT5h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

7 quarts water
1 quart apple cider
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large onion, diced
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 head garlic, cut in 1/2 equatorially
1/2 bunch fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 bay leaves
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, free range organic is great!
1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 bunch fresh sage, leaves finely chopped
3 sticks butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bunch thyme
Kosher salt
1 quart chicken stock, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • To brine the turkey: Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large container. Add the turkey and let it brine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • To prepare the turkey for cooking: Remove the turkey from the brine the night before roasting and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine the rosemary, sage, and butter for the herb crust in a small bowl. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Work the butter under the skin of the turkey and massage it into the breasts and the legs. Massage the butter on the outside of the skin as well. Tie the legs together over the breast so they will protect it during cooking and help keep it moist and juicy.
  • Gravy preparation: Put the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, apples, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Arrange the turkey on top of the veggies and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that's right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Make sure that there is no raw food near the turkey in the refrigerator. After refrigerating overnight, the turkey is ready to go in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Put 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup apple cider in the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the skin gets really nice and brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350 degrees F for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan, if needed. Cook about 17 minutes per pound. Once it gets to the proper color, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey registers 160 degrees F. Make sure that the thermometer is not touching a bone when doing the reading. When the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the roasting pan to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Strain all the veggies over a bowl to separate them from the stock/mixture. Discard the veggies. Skim off the fat and add it to the roasting pan. This is the fat for the roux. Put the roasting pan over 2 burners and over a low heat and whisk in the flour. Cook until the mixture looks like wet sand, about 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 cup apple cider, remaining chicken stock and the stock/cider mixture. Cook until the mixture has thickened and reached a gravy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into a serving pitcher or bowl.
  • Carve the turkey, transfer to a serving platter and serve with the gravy.
  • Give thanks for such a great turkey!!!

SAGE BUTTER-ROASTED TURKEY WITH CIDER GRAVY



Sage Butter-Roasted Turkey with Cider Gravy image

Provided by Jeanne Thiel Kelley

Categories     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Low Cal     Dinner     Family Reunion     Sage     Christmas Eve     Potluck     Calvados     Butter     Apple Juice     Bon Appétit     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Turkey:
3 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage
1 16-to 18-pound turkey, rinsed, patted dry; neck, heart, andgizzard reserved for Turkey Stock
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
3/4 cup fresh refrigerated apple cider or fresh refrigerated apple juice
Gravy:
2 cups (or more) Turkey Stock or low-salt chicken broth
3/4 cup fresh refrigerated apple cider or fresh refrigerated apple juice
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 to 3 tablespoons Calvados (apple brandy) or applejack brandy
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Steps:

  • Turkey:
  • Rub salt and dried sage together in small bowl. Place turkey in roasting pan; sprinkle all over with sage salt. Cover pan with plastic wrap; chill turkey overnight.
  • Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 375°F. Pat turkey dry. Tuck wing tips under; tie legs together loosely. Stir butter and chopped sage in small saucepan over low heat until butter melts. Brush all over turkey; sprinkle with pepper.
  • Roast turkey 1 hour; baste with any pan juices. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Roast turkey 45 minutes. Pour 3/4 cup apple cider over; turn pan around. Continue to roast turkey until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, basting and turning pan occasionally for even cooking, about 11/4 hours longer. Transfer turkey to platter; tent loosely with foil and let rest 30 to 45 minutes (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
  • Gravy:
  • Pour all pan juices into large measuring cup. Spoon off fat that rises to surface. Transfer 2 tablespoons fat to heavy large saucepan; discard remaining fat. Place turkey roasting pan over 2 burners. Add 2 cups stock or broth and 3/4 cup cider. Bring to boil over high heat, scraping up browned bits. Boil liquid until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 6 minutes. Add mixture from roasting pan to degreased pan juices. If necessary, add enough stock to measure 3 1/2 cups stock mixture.
  • Place saucepan with turkey fat over medium-high heat. Add flour; whisk 2 minutes. Whisk in stock mixture. Boil until gravy thickens enough to coat spoon thinly, about 6 minutes. Whisk in 2 tablespoons Calvados, or more to taste, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve turkey with gravy.

TURKEY ROULADE WITH APPLE-CIDER GRAVY



Turkey Roulade with Apple-Cider Gravy image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h10m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (2 1/2-pound) skinless turkey breast, butterflied
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups), plus 1 cup sliced onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
5 slices day-old whole-wheat bread, crusts removed, cubed (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup lightly toasted chopped pecans
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fresh crumbled sage or 3 teaspoons dried, divided
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup apple cider
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water

Steps:

  • Place the turkey breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 3/4-inch. Set aside while stuffing is prepared.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the cranberries in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat, drain and reserve. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring, until onions are golden but not charred, about 12 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Add bread, cranberries, pecans, 2 tablespoons fresh or 2 teaspoons dried sage and 1/2 to 3/4-cup chicken stock, depending upon consistency of stuffing; (you want the mixture to be moistened, but not too wet, since the turkey will release moisture when cooked). Cook over low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, remove from heat.
  • Salt and pepper the inside and outside of the turkey breast. Spread the stuffing on the turkey, leaving about 1 1/2 to 2-inches uncovered on all sides. Roll up and secure tightly with kitchen twine, trying to keep all stuffing intact.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large Dutch oven or medium-sized roasting pan until hot. Sear stuffed turkey breast on all sides until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add sliced onion and 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, cover tightly and roast in the oven until turkey reaches 160 degrees F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into inner layer of meat, about 60 to 65 minutes. Remove the turkey breast from oven and transfer to a cutting board to rest.
  • Make the gravy: Add apple cider, 1/2 cup chicken stock, vinegar and remaining sage to the onions, chicken stock and juices in the roasting pan, bring to a boil and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by 1/3. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly, and cook for 3 minutes more. The gravy should not be thick, just slightly thicker than a jus. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Makes 1 1/2 cups gravy.
  • Remove twine from turkey breast and slice into 1 1/2-inch thick pieces. Serve with gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calorie, Fat 11 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 117 milligrams, Sodium 365 milligrams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 50 grams, Sugar 13 grams

ROAST TURKEY AND GRAVY WITH ONIONS AND SAGE



Roast Turkey and Gravy with Onions and Sage image

"No one wants to stand around hoping their gravy won't be lumpy at the moment the turkey comes out of the oven. With this recipe, that will never happen!"

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 12-to-14-pound fresh turkey
1 large yellow onion, unpeeled and cut in eighths
1 lemon, quartered
8 sprigs fresh thyme
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Turkey Gravy (see below)
For the turkey gravy:
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 large red onion, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups good chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 tablespoons cognac or brandy
10 large fresh sage leaves
2 bay leaves
1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

Steps:

  • Two or three days before you plan to roast the turkey, combine 3 tablespoons salt, the minced thyme and lemon zest. Wash the turkey inside and out, drain it well and pat it all over with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the salt mixture in the cavity of the turkey and rub the rest on the skin, including under the wings and legs. Place the turkey in a shallow dish just large enough to hold it and wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 or 2 days. The day before you plan to roast the turkey, remove the plastic wrap and leave the turkey in the fridge. The skin will dry out and turn a little translucent.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Put the turkey in a large roasting pan, discarding any juices in the dish. Place the onion, lemon and thyme sprigs in the cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tie the wings close to the body. Brush the turkey with the butter and sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper.
  • Roast the turkey for 2 to 2 1/4 hours, until the breast meat registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer (put the thermometer in sideways). Remove from the oven and place the turkey on a carving board. Cut off the legs and thighs and put them back into the roasting pan, covering the breast and carcass tightly with aluminum foil. Place the roasting pan back in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the dark meat registers 180 degrees F. Remove the dark meat to the carving board with the turkey, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Pour a 1/4-inch layer of the gravy into a large (12-by-16-inch) ovenproof serving platter (make sure it's ovenproof!). Carve the turkey and arrange it artfully on top of the gravy. Place the platter uncovered into the oven for 15 to 30 minutes, until the turkey is very hot. Serve hot with extra gravy on the side.
  • For the gravy:
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onion becomes browned and starts to caramelize. Sprinkle on the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, cognac, sage leaves, bay leaves, 2 teaspoons salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock) and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour and strain, pressing the solids lightly and then discarding them. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • After the turkey is cooked, remove it to a carving board to rest while you finish the gravy. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat and add the wine. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring and scraping up all the bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Slowly whisk the gravy base into the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the gravy is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.

ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE-CIDER GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Apple-Cider Gravy image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 gallons water
2 cups kosher salt
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 garlic head, split
1 1/2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons juniper berries
3 bay leaves
1 (10 to 12-pound) turkey
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
1/2 apple, cored and coarsely chopped
1 small parsnip, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 small quince, cored and coarsely chopped, optional
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley with stems
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon juniper berries
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a pot large enough to hold the turkey, combine all of the brine ingredients and stir. Add the turkey to the pot, cover, and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours. Remove the turkey from the pot, discard the brine, and rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
  • Combine the onion, celery, apple, parsnip, quince, herbs, and spices in a bowl and toss. Spoon into the cavity of the turkey.
  • Truss the turkey, tying its legs together tightly with kitchen twine. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, place in the oven, and roast for 2 1/2 hours.
  • Uncover the turkey and reserve the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Brush the turkey with half of the melted butter and cook for 30 minutes. Brush on the remaining butter and continue cooking for about 1 hour and 15 minutes longer, basting every 30 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 150 degrees. (The internal temperature will rise 10 degrees while the turkey rests).
  • Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Pour off the fat from the roasting pan. Spoon the vegetables from the cavity of the turkey into the pan; cover the turkey loosely with the reserved foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the gravy: Add the butter to the roasting pan with the vegetables. Place the pan over medium heat, using 2 burners if necessary. Use a wooden spoon to stir and brown the vegetables lightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cider, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the turkey drippings. Transfer the gravy to a 3-quart saucepan, add the chicken stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour any juices that have accumulated around the turkey into the pan and continue cooking for 1 more minute. Season with the salt and pepper. Strain the gravy into a warm sauceboat.
  • Carve the turkey and serve with gravy.

ROAST TURKEY WITH SAGE AND SHERRIED CIDER GIBLET GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Sage and Sherried Cider Giblet Gravy image

Categories     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Fall     Sage     Gourmet

Number Of Ingredients 14

a 12- to 14-pound turkey, neck and giblets (excluding liver) reserved for making stock
1/2 lemon, cut into 2 wedges
7 large fresh sage sprigs
2 slices firm whole-wheat sandwich bread
1/2 Granny Smith apple, quartered lengthwise
1/2 onion, quartered lengthwise
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup water
For gravy:
1 cup dry Sherry
1 cup apple cider (preferably sparkling)
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups turkey giblet stock or chicken broth plus additional stock or broth for thinning gravy
Garnish: assorted fresh sage sprigs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425° F.
  • Rinse turkey and pat dry inside and out. Season turkey inside and out with salt and pepper and pack neck cavity with 1 lemon wedge, 1 sage sprig, and 1 bread slice. Fold neck skin under body and fasten with a skewer. Fill body cavity with apple, onion, 3 sage sprigs, and remaining lemon wedge and bread slice and truss turkey.
  • Rub turkey with remaining 3 sage sprigs and arrange sprigs on a rack set in a roasting pan. Spread turkey with butter and arrange on rack in roasting pan. Roast turkey in middle of oven 30 minutes.
  • Reduce temperature to 325° F. and baste turkey with pan juices. Add water to roasting pan and roast turkey, basting every 20 minutes, 2 1/2 to 3 hours more, or until a meat thermometer inserted in fleshy part of a thigh registers 180° F. and juices run clear when thigh is pierced. Transfer turkey to a heated platter, reserving juices in roasting pan, and discard string. Keep turkey warm, covered loosely with foil.
  • Make gravy:
  • Skim fat from pan juices, reserving 1/4 cup fat, and on top of stove deglaze pan with Sherry over moderately high heat, scraping up brown bits. Stir in cider. Bring Sherry mixture to a boil and remove pan from heat.
  • In a heavy saucepan whisk together reserved fat and flour and cook roux over moderately low heat, whisking, 3 minutes. Add Sherry mixture and 2 cups stock or broth in a stream, whisking to prevent lumping, and simmer, whisking occasionally, 10 minutes. Whisk in additional stock or broth to thin gravy if desired. Season gravy with salt and pepper and transfer to a heated gravy boat.
  • Garnish turkey with sage.

ROAST TURKEY WITH CIDER GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Cider Gravy image

Categories     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Stuffing/Dressing     Gourmet

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

a 12- to 14-pound turkey, the neck and giblets (excluding the liver) reserved for making turkey giblet stock
1 recipe chestnut stuffing
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup water
1 cup turkey giblet stock or chicken broth
For the gravy
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups turkey giblet stock
sage, rosemary, and thyme sprigs for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rinse the turkey, pat it dry, and season it inside and out with salt and pepper. Pack the neck cavity loosely with some of the stuffing, fold the neck skin under the body, and fasten it with a skewer. Pack the body cavity loosely with some of the remaining stuffing and truss the turkey. Transfer the remiaining stuffing to a buttered 3-quart baking dish and reserve it, covered and chilled.
  • Spread the turkey with the butter and roast it on a rack in a roasting pan in the over for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325°F., baste the turkey with the pan juices, and add the water to the pan. Roast the turkey, basting it every 20 minutes, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours more, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the fleshy part of the thigh registers 180°F. and the juices run clear when the thigh is pierced. During the last 1 1/2 hours of roasting, drizzle the reserved stuffing with the stock or broth, bake it, covered, in the 325°F. over for 1 hour, and bake it, uncovered, for 30 minutes more. Transfer the turkey to a heated platter, reserving the juices in the roasting pan, discard the string, and keep the turkey warm, covered loosely with foil.
  • Make the gravy:
  • Skim all the fat from the roasting pan juices, reserving 1/3 cup of the fat, and add the cider and the vinegar to the pan. Deglaze the pan over moderately high heat, scraping up the brown bits, and boil the mixture until it is reduced by half. In a saucepan combine the reserved fat and the flour and cook the roux over moderately low heat, whisking, for 3 minutes. Add the cider mixture and the stock in a stream, whisking, bring the mixture to a boil, whisking, and simmer the gravy, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Season the gravy with salt and pepper and transfer it to a heated sauceboat.
  • Garnish the turkey with the herb sprigs and serve it with the gravy and the stuffing.

CIDER ROAST TURKEY



Cider roast turkey image

Succulent, cider-roasted turkey, with tender glazed apples and pear makes the ultimate centrepiece for your Christmas table

Provided by Jane Hornby

Time 4h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

4.5-6kg/10-13lb turkey , giblets removed and kept
450g stuffing
2 leeks , trimmed and halved
2 carrots , halved
50g butter , softened
300ml dry cider
300ml dry cider
600ml chicken stock
2 tbsp quince or redcurrant jelly

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Wash and dry the turkey, removing any feathers. Pull out the giblets and the neck, then set aside. Lift up the skin that covers the neck opening, then stuff the stuffing up and under the skin, securing it tightly underneath with a skewer or two cocktail sticks. Weigh the stuffed turkey, then calculate the cooking time, allowing 40 mins per kg (20 mins per lb).
  • Put the leeks and carrots along the bottom of a roasting tin in a single layer - this will make a trivet for the turkey to sit on and add flavour to the gravy. Add the neck to the tin. Sit the turkey on top and coat the breast all over with butter. Pour in the cider, cover with foil, then roast according to your timings. Keep checking the tin - if the vegetables look like they're burning, add a splash of water or cider. At 30 mins before the end of cooking, remove the foil and season generously.
  • To test that the turkey is ready, pierce the thigh through its thickest part; the juices should run clear. Take the turkey out and leave to rest, covered with a clean tea towel. Can leave to rest for up to 1 hr. Now make the gravy. Drain the fat and juices from the tin into a jug, discarding the veg and the neck. Place the tin over a flame, then pour in the cider, scraping up the flavour-filled crusty bits with a wooden spoon. Reduce the cider by half, then strain into a saucepan (this will save you hob space later).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 704 calories, Fat 32 grams fat, SaturatedFat 11 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 21 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 82 grams protein, Sodium 1.77 milligram of sodium

SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY WITH APPLE GRAVY



Slow-Roasted Turkey With Apple Gravy image

Padma Lakshmi likes big, bold flavors - spices and citrus especially - and infuses her Thanksgiving turkey with them. She prepares the bird over a bed of herbs and produce, then uses those pan juices to create a fruity yet savory gravy. To keep the turkey moist, Ms. Lakshmi starts with a buttermilk brine, then roasts the bird at a low temperature to make sure it cooks through but doesn't dry out. But first, an initial blast in a very hot oven darkens the turkey in spots thanks to the sugar in the buttermilk brine. A final basting and uncovered cooking in the oven helps even out the mottled skin and ensures a delicate crispness. You can garnish the platter with the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the recipe or serve the bird unadorned.

Provided by Genevieve Ko

Time P2DT6h

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

8 fresh bay leaves
2 1/2 quarts buttermilk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, toasted and ground (see Tip)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cayenne
1 (14-pound) fresh or thawed frozen whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
20 fresh bay leaves
3 small Fuji or Honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small fennel bulbs, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 small bunch thyme
10 slices fresh ginger
12 garlic cloves, sliced
1 orange, cut into 1-inch wedges
Coarse sea salt
1 1/2 tablespoons black peppercorns, toasted (see Tip), plus more toasted and ground for seasoning
1 lemon, quartered
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brandy, preferably Pomona or Calvados (optional)
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brine the turkey: Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Place in a large bowl with the buttermilk, sugar, salt, black pepper and cayenne, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Place the turkey in a brining bag or clean unscented garbage bag, pour in the buttermilk mixture and tightly tie the bag closed. Place in a pot or bowl that holds it snugly, making sure the legs are fully immersed in the brine, and refrigerate for at least 48 hours and up to 72 hours.
  • Make the turkey: Position a rack at the bottom of the oven and heat oven (not convection) to 450 degrees. Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Spread the apples, fennel, onions, 12 bay leaves and half of the thyme, ginger, garlic and orange across the bottom of a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and the whole peppercorns.
  • Drain the turkey and wipe dry. (Discard the brine.) Place the turkey in the pan breast side up, and rub its cavity with salt and ground pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon and the remaining bay leaves, thyme, ginger, garlic and orange. Tuck the wings underneath and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and ground pepper, and drizzle everything with oil. Drizzle more oil all over the turkey and rub to generously and evenly coat the skin. Transfer to the oven and roast until browned in spots all over but not burned, 20 to 40 minutes. (Ovens vary widely in how quickly they brown such a large bird, so start checking at 20 minutes and keep going until it's spotted all over.)
  • Pour 2 cups water into the pan, cover the turkey with foil and loosely crimp around the edges of the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees and slide the pan back into the oven. Slow-roast until the turkey is almost cooked through (a meat thermometer will register 150 degrees in the thickest part of the breast and 160 degrees in the thigh), about 4 hours.
  • Uncover, baste all over with the pan juices and roast uncovered until the skin is more evenly browned and the meat registers 155 degrees in the breast and 165 degrees in the thigh, 30 to 45 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests. Let cool slightly in the pan, then transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
  • Make the gravy: Smash the fruits and vegetables in the roasting pan. Set a colander with small holes or a medium-mesh strainer over a bowl or pot, and pour in everything from the pan, working in batches if needed. Press hard on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible along with fruit and vegetable pulp. Discard the solids in the colander; scrape any strained pulp into the bowl. Skim and discard fat from the strained juices.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. While whisking, add the defatted pan juices a little at a time, whisking until smooth, then stir in the brandy. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Keep warm over low.
  • When ready to serve, season the gravy to taste with salt and pepper. Carve the turkey and serve with the hot gravy.

Tips for a Perfect Roast Turkey with Cider-Sage Gravy:

  • Choose a fresh, high-quality turkey: Look for a plump turkey with moist skin and no signs of bruising or freezer burn.
  • Thaw the turkey properly: Allow the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey. For faster thawing, place the turkey in a sink filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
  • Brine the turkey (optional): Brining the turkey helps to keep it moist and flavorful. To brine the turkey, dissolve 1 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of sugar in 1 gallon of water. Submerge the turkey in the brine solution and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
  • Stuff the turkey just before roasting: Stuffing the turkey too early can make the turkey dry. Wait until just before roasting to stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing.
  • Roast the turkey at a high temperature initially: This will help to brown the skin and seal in the juices. Roast the turkey at 450°F for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Baste the turkey frequently: Basting the turkey with its own juices or a mixture of butter and chicken broth helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving: After roasting, let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in more tender meat.

Conclusion:

Roast turkey with cider-sage gravy is a classic holiday dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that everyone will enjoy. Remember to choose a fresh, high-quality turkey, thaw it properly, and brine it if desired. Stuff the turkey just before roasting and roast it at a high temperature initially to brown the skin and seal in the juices. Baste the turkey frequently and let it rest before carving. With these tips, you'll be able to create a perfect roast turkey with cider-sage gravy that will be the star of your holiday table.

Related Topics