Ingredients
Scale
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (about 12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 lemon, cut into halves
- 1 garlic bulb, halved
- 1 bunch of fresh thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh rosemary
- 1 bunch of fresh sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- Turkey giblets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the Cavity: Season the cavity of the turkey generously with salt and pepper. Place the lemon halves, garlic bulb, and fresh herbs inside the cavity.
- Butter the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by running your hand under the skin. Rub softened butter under the skin over the breast and drumsticks, ensuring an even coating.
- Season the Outside: Season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper, and rub some of the remaining butter all over the skin.
- Truss the Turkey: Tie the legs together with kitchen string to help the turkey cook evenly.
Roast the Turkey
- Initial High Heat: Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to brown the skin.
- Lower the Heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue roasting. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan.
- Check the Temperature: After about 2 1/2 hours, check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Turkey: Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Make the Gravy
- Prepare the Giblets: While the turkey is roasting, brown the turkey giblets in a saucepan with chopped onion, carrot, and celery.
- Add Flour: Once the vegetables are golden, sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine.
- Deglaze: Pour in the white wine and allow it to reduce by half.
- Add Stock: Gradually add the chicken or turkey stock and let the gravy simmer until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the gravy through a sieve and serve it alongside the turkey.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10-12 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 60g