Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing

Fig-Glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

This Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing recipe is a delicious and unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. The combination of sweet figs and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the savory turkey and cornbread stuffing.

History

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of California, where fresh figs are abundant and commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. The use of balsamic vinegar in the glaze adds a rich and complex flavor profile to the dish, making it a standout centerpiece for any holiday meal.

Ingredients

1 (10 to 12 lb (5.44 kg)) fresh turkey
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 sticks unsalted butter, 1 to rub under the skin of the bird and 1 for the glaze
1.5 cup dried California figs, pitted and roughly chopped
0.25 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cup warm water
0.5 cup balsamic vinegar

Stuffing

extra-virgin olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary leaves
0.5 lb (227 g) sweet italian sausage
10 large cornbread muffins, torn into pieces, or 1 loaf cornbread, cubed (about 5 cup)
1.5 cup hydrated dried figs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
0.5 cup heavy cream
3 cup chicken stock, homemade or store-bought, divided

How to prepare

To rehydrate the figs, start by placing them in a large mixing bowl.
Add honey, lemon juice, and warm water to the bowl.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes until the figs become tender and soft.
Strain the figs and save the liquid, as it will be used for the glaze.

Stuffing

Heat a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Gently sauté the onions with rosemary in the heated oil.
Add sweet Italian sausage and continue sautéing until it turns brown, which should take around 10 to 12 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and add cornbread pieces and figs.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and toss it well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, and 0.5 cup of stock.
Pour the egg mixture over the cornbread mixture and stir it together.
Set the stuffing aside while you prepare the turkey.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Bird

Thoroughly rinse the bird inside and out with cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper inside the cavity and on the skin of the turkey.
Gently lift the skin from the turkey breast using your fingers.
Take one stick of butter and massage it onto the breast meat.
Stuff the bird with the cornbread stuffing and truss it by crossing the legs over one another and tying them with kitchen twine.
Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan, and put it in the oven.

Glaze

In a small saucepan, heat the fig mixture over medium heat until it simmers and reduces, which should take around 10 to 12 minutes.
Add balsamic vinegar and the other stick of butter (cut into cubes) to the saucepan.
Continue reducing the mixture until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
This glaze will be used to baste the turkey.

Roasting

Roast the turkey in the oven for 2 hours.
Baste the turkey with the fig glaze when there is approximately 20 minutes of cooking time left, ensuring the turkey is well coated with the glaze.
Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 170°F (77°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
The thigh juices should run clear when pricked with a knife, which will take approximately 3 hours in total (15 minutes per pound).
If the legs or breast brown too quickly during roasting, cover them with foil.

Variations

Substitute dried apricots or prunes for the figs in the glaze for a different flavor profile.
Use a different type of sausage, such as spicy Italian or chorizo, in the stuffing for a unique twist.
Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the stuffing for added crunch and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly rinse the turkey before seasoning and stuffing it to ensure it is clean and ready for roasting.

- Massaging butter under the skin of the turkey breast helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.

- Basting the turkey with the fig glaze during roasting adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the skin.

- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature for safe consumption.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing alongside traditional Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. A glass of red wine or sparkling cider pairs well with this flavorful dish.

Cooking Techniques

Trussing the turkey helps it cook evenly and keeps the stuffing inside the bird.

- Basting the turkey with the fig glaze during roasting adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist.

- Letting the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bird.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh figs instead of dried figs in the glaze if they are in season.

- Substitute chicken or turkey sausage for the sweet Italian sausage in the stuffing for a lighter option.

- Use store-bought cornbread or a different type of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, for the stuffing.

Make Ahead Tips

The stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- The fig glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

- The turkey can be seasoned and stuffed the night before and kept in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished turkey with fresh fig slices and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. - Serve the turkey on a platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. - Slice the turkey and arrange it on a serving platter with the stuffing in the center for an elegant display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing with a side of cranberry sauce and roasted Brussels sprouts for a classic Thanksgiving meal.

- Serve a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette alongside the turkey for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

- A glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay complements the sweet and savory flavors of the turkey and stuffing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

- Reheat the turkey in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

- The stuffing can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

500 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 24g

Fats

- Total Fat: 25g

- Saturated Fat: 10g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 45g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 6%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, cream)

- Contains eggs

- Contains gluten (cornbread)

Summary

This Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious option for a holiday feast.

Summary

This Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing is a show-stopping dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The sweet and savory flavors of the fig glaze and cornbread stuffing complement the tender and juicy turkey, creating a memorable meal that will impress your guests. Enjoy this delicious recipe with your loved ones and savor the flavors of California in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a cool autumn evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for a cup of tea. As we sat at the kitchen table, she began to tell me about a new recipe she had learned from her grandmother - Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing.

Margaret's eyes sparkled with excitement as she described the flavors and aromas of the dish. She spoke of the succulent turkey, roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy fig sauce. The cornbread stuffing, infused with herbs and spices, added a delicious twist to the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

I was intrigued by Margaret's enthusiasm and asked her to share the recipe with me. She gladly obliged, pulling out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box. As she read off the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

The next day, I set out to gather the ingredients for the Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing. I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing each component of the dish. The scent of roasting turkey and freshly baked cornbread filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

When the meal was finally ready, I invited my family to the table. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The flavors of the dish were a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, creating a culinary experience unlike any other.

From that moment on, Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing became a staple at our holiday gatherings. Each year, I would lovingly prepare the dish, sharing the recipe with friends and family who were eager to taste its deliciousness.

Over the years, I have made a few adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different flavor combinations. However, the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of tradition, family, and the joy of cooking.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of that fateful evening with Margaret, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought so much joy and happiness to my loved ones, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will learn to make Fig-glazed Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing, passing down this delicious tradition to future generations. For now, I will continue to cook and share this beloved recipe, savoring each bite and the memories it brings with it.