For a succulent and flavorful main course that exudes comforting aromas and tender textures, look no further than the classic slow-cooked herbed turkey. This culinary delight, often associated with festive gatherings and special occasions, offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its tender, juicy meat infused with a delightful blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best-kept secrets and techniques for crafting the perfect slow-cooked herbed turkey that will leave a lasting impression.
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SLOW-COOKED HERBED TURKEY
When herbs are plentiful in my garden, I prepare this turkey recipe. The turkey stays moist in the slow cooker and is bursting with herb flavors. When I served this to our Bible study potluck group, everyone wanted the recipe! -Sue Jurack, Mequon, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 4h15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a blender, combine the first 15 ingredients; cover and process until blended. Pour half the marinade into a bowl; cover and refrigerate. Place turkey breasts in a large, shallow bowl; add remaining marinade. Turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally. , Drain turkey, discarding marinade. Transfer turkey breasts to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add reserved marinade; cover and cook on high until a thermometer reads 165°, 4-5 hours. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 97mg cholesterol, Sodium 369mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SLOW-COOKED TURKEY WITH HERBED STUFFING
I'm all for turkey dinner, especially around the holidays. A whole turkey won't fit in my slow cooker, so thank goodness for turkey breast. I cook it with my grandma's easy stuffing recipe for a happy meal that doesn't require any hard work. -Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 3h20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place turkey in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Whisk 1/4 cup gravy, condensed soup and seasonings. Cover and refrigerate remaining gravy. Stir apple, celery, onion and, if desired, mushrooms into gravy mixture. Stir in stuffing cubes; spoon over turkey. Cook, covered, on low until a thermometer reads 170° and meat is tender, 3-4 hours., Remove turkey from slow cooker; tent with foil. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Warm remaining gravy. Serve with turkey and stuffing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 1172mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Turkey: Select a fresh or thawed turkey that is free of blemishes and has a plump, moist appearance. For optimal flavor and texture, opt for a free-range or organic turkey.
- Proper Thawing: If using a frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days per 4-5 pounds of weight. Alternatively, thaw the turkey in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes until completely thawed.
- Brining the Turkey: Consider brining the turkey overnight in a solution of water, salt, sugar, and herbs to enhance its flavor and moisture. This step is optional but highly recommended for a succulent turkey.
- Seasoning and Rubbing: Generously season the inside and outside of the turkey with salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs and spices. You can also apply a flavorful rub made with butter, olive oil, herbs, and spices to create a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Stuffing the Turkey: If desired, stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing. Ensure the stuffing is cooked thoroughly before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
- Tying the Turkey: Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey's legs and wings together to help it retain its shape during cooking.
- Cooking Temperature and Time: Roast the turkey breast-side up in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). The general rule is to cook for 13-15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey and 15-17 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Basting the Turkey: Baste the turkey with its juices or a mixture of melted butter and herbs every 30-45 minutes during cooking to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Resting the Turkey: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Conclusion:
Achieving a perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful turkey requires careful preparation, seasoning, and cooking techniques. By following these tips, you can create a memorable holiday meal that will delight your family and friends. Remember to select a high-quality turkey, thaw it properly, consider brining, season generously, and cook the turkey to the correct internal temperature while keeping it moist. With a little practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to create a stunning slow-cooked herbed turkey that will be the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
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