Golden roast turkey

Golden Roast Turkey Recipe from USA with Butter, Salt, and Pepper

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4.5 hours | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Golden roast turkey is a classic dish that is often enjoyed during holiday gatherings and special occasions. This recipe involves roasting a whole turkey until it is golden brown and perfectly cooked. The result is a juicy and flavorful main dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Roast turkey has been a popular dish for centuries, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The tradition of roasting a whole turkey likely originated in North America, where wild turkeys were abundant and easily hunted by early settlers. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various seasonings and cooking techniques to enhance the flavor of the bird.

Ingredients

16 lb (7.26 kg) turkey
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey, wash them, and set them aside.
Thoroughly wash the turkey inside and out.
Pat the turkey dry with towels.
Remove any excess fat from the turkey.
Prepare your choice of dressing.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Spoon some of the dressing into the neck cavity of the turkey.
Bring the skin of the neck over the back and fasten it with a poultry pin.
Spoon the remaining dressing into the body cavity of the turkey, but do not pack it tightly.
Insert 4 or 5 poultry pins at regular intervals to secure the cavity.
Lace the cavity closed with twine, using a bootlace fashion, and then tie it.
Bend the wing tips under the body or fasten them to the body with poultry pins.
Tie the ends of the legs together.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
Place the turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
Brush the turkey with some butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Roast the turkey uncovered, brushing it occasionally with the remaining butter and pan drippings, for about 4.5 hours or until the meat thermometer registers 185°F (85°C).
Make sure the leg joint moves freely.
When the turkey begins to turn golden, cover it with a square of butter-soaked cheesecloth or a loose tent of foil to prevent burning.
While the turkey is roasting, cook the giblets and neck.
Place the cooked turkey on a heated serving platter.
Remove the cheesecloth or foil, twine, and poultry pins from the turkey.
Let the turkey stand for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Variations

Try using different seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, or sage to add flavor to the turkey.
Stuff the turkey with a different dressing, such as cornbread or wild rice stuffing.
Use a brine or marinade to add extra flavor and moisture to the turkey.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Thoroughly wash the turkey before cooking to remove any bacteria or contaminants.

- Pat the turkey dry with towels to ensure a crispy skin.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature.

- Baste the turkey with butter and pan drippings to keep it moist during cooking.

- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve golden roast turkey with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green beans for a classic holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting is the preferred cooking technique for golden roast turkey, as it allows the bird to cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute butter with olive oil or vegetable oil for a lighter option.

- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for basting the turkey.

- Replace the salt and pepper with your favorite seasoning blend for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey up to a day in advance by seasoning it and storing it in the refrigerator until ready to roast. This will allow the flavors to develop and make cooking on the day of serving easier.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the golden roast turkey with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or edible flowers for an elegant presentation. Serve on a platter with decorative serving utensils for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Golden roast turkey pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. For beverages, consider serving with white wine, sparkling cider, or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover golden roast turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices of turkey in a baking dish with a little broth or gravy, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of golden roast turkey contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of golden roast turkey contains approximately 0 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of golden roast turkey contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of golden roast turkey contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Golden roast turkey is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (if using bread in the dressing), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Golden roast turkey is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a main course.

Summary

Golden roast turkey is a classic dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and impressive main course that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Golden Roast Turkey. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the foothills of the mountains. My grandmother was known far and wide for her delicious cooking, and I was always by her side in the kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of her culinary magic.

One crisp autumn day, my grandmother and I were preparing for a big family gathering. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of spices and roasting meats, and I could hardly contain my excitement. It was on this day that my grandmother decided to pass down to me her treasured recipe for Golden Roast Turkey.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, my grandmother began to tell me the story of how she came to learn this recipe. It was a cold winter's night many years ago, and she had been invited to a grand feast at the home of a wealthy merchant in the city. As the guests arrived, my grandmother was struck by the sight of a magnificent golden roast turkey, glistening and steaming on the table.

She had never seen anything quite like it before, and she was determined to learn the secrets behind its delicious flavor and crispy skin. She approached the merchant's cook and begged him to share the recipe with her. The cook, a grizzled old man with a twinkle in his eye, agreed to teach my grandmother the art of making the perfect Golden Roast Turkey.

And so, over the course of several days, my grandmother learned the intricacies of preparing and roasting the turkey until it was golden brown and tender. She soaked in every detail, from the selection of the freshest herbs and spices to the precise timing of the cooking process. By the time the feast arrived, my grandmother had mastered the recipe and presented her own version of the Golden Roast Turkey to the astonished guests.

From that day on, my grandmother's Golden Roast Turkey became a staple at family gatherings and special occasions. The recipe was passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to it. And now, it was my turn to carry on the tradition.

As my grandmother taught me the finer points of preparing the turkey, I marveled at her expertise and skill. She showed me how to brine the bird to ensure it stayed juicy and flavorful, how to season it with a blend of herbs and spices that would create a symphony of flavors, and how to roast it to perfection until the skin was crisp and golden.

I listened intently as my grandmother shared her tips and tricks, her voice filled with warmth and love. She reminded me that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about infusing each dish with care and attention. And as we worked together in the kitchen, I could feel the bond between us growing stronger with each step of the process.

Finally, the turkey was ready to be served. As we placed it on the table, surrounded by an array of side dishes and desserts, I felt a swell of pride in my chest. This Golden Roast Turkey was not just a dish to be enjoyed, but a symbol of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

As my family gathered around the table and dug into the feast before us, I knew that this recipe would be cherished for years to come. And as I looked at my grandmother, her eyes twinkling with pride and joy, I knew that I had truly learned from the best. For in that moment, I understood that the true magic of cooking lay not just in the flavors and aromas, but in the memories and stories that were woven into each dish with care and love.