Have you ever found yourself with an unexpected turkey? Maybe it was a last-minute gift, or perhaps you simply misjudged how much turkey you needed for your Thanksgiving feast. Whatever the reason, you're now the proud owner of a large bird that you need to cook. Don't worry, though! With a little creativity, you can turn that accidental turkey into a delicious meal that your family and friends will love.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ACCIDENTAL TURKEY
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time P2DT1h55m
Yield 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Two or three days before you plan to roast the turkey, combine 3 tablespoons salt, the rosemary and lemon zest. Wash the turkey inside and out, drain it well and pat it dry 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 to catch any drips and wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one or two 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 450 degrees F. Be sure your oven is very clean!
- Place the onion, lemon and thyme 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 with salt and pepper.
- Roast the turkey for 45 minutes, placing it in the oven legs first. Lower the temperature to 325 degrees F and roast it for about another hour, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh. Remove from the oven, cover the turkey tightly with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Carve and serve with the pan juices.
EVIL TURKEY
This recipe makes the best turkey ever. It's great for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or dinner parties. Its can be made a day in advance to save time. It's a wonderful dish with just the right amount of spice that will fill your whole neighborhood with an enchanting aroma.
Provided by Dreamthief
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Turkey Whole Turkey Recipes
Time 4h
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Stir together the onion, roasted red peppers, whiskey, and garlic and place this mixture inside the cavity of the bird. Mince chipotle peppers in a food processor until about the consistency of spaghetti sauce. Rub half of the chipotles on the outside of the turkey, and place the rest inside the bird cavity. Place turkey in a roasting bag; close the bag according to the bag directions, and place onto a roasting pan.
- Bake the turkey in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 3 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove the turkey from the oven, and allow to rest in a warm area 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 528.7 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 196.4 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 67.6 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 233.7 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
Tips:
- Use a good quality turkey: A free-range or organic turkey will have a better flavor and texture than a conventionally raised bird.
- Brine the turkey: This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. You can brine the turkey in a simple solution of water, salt, and sugar, or you can use a more complex brine that includes herbs, spices, and other flavorings.
- Roast the turkey at a low temperature: This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out. The ideal roasting temperature is 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cover the turkey with foil: This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from browning too quickly.
- Baste the turkey regularly: This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. You can baste the turkey with butter, oil, or a mixture of herbs and spices.
- Let the turkey rest before carving: This will help to redistribute the juices throughout the turkey, making it more tender and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving dinner is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure that your turkey is the star of the show. By following these tips, you can roast a turkey that is moist, flavorful, and perfectly browned. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your Thanksgiving turkey today!
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