Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy Recipe from California, USA

Region / culture: California, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and maple syrup creates a unique and savory flavor profile that will impress your guests.

History

The tradition of roasting turkey for special occasions dates back to the early days of American history. The use of herbs and spices to flavor the turkey has been a common practice for centuries, adding depth and complexity to the dish. The addition of maple syrup to the gravy adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the herbs.

Ingredients

18 lb (8.16 kg) turkey
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
1 medium onion, quartered (red, white, or yellow only)
20 sprigs of sage
20 sprigs of fresh thyme
20 sprigs of parsley
2 tbsp of salt
3 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper
3 cups of rich turkey stock
3 tbsp of unsalted butter
3 tbsp of all-purpose flour
3 tbsp of maple syrup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350° C.
Rinse the turkey inside and out with water and pat dry.
Trim the neck skin.
Stuff the turkey with garlic, onion, sage, thyme, and parsley sprigs.
Season the inside and outside of the turkey with salt and pepper.
Transfer the turkey to a large, lightly oiled roasting pan and roast it for about 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in a thigh registers 175° C.
Cover the turkey with foil if the skin begins to look very brown.
Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour the pan juices into a heatproof bowl and skim off the fat.
Set the roasting pan over 2 burners on high heat until sizzling.
Add 1 cup of the rich turkey stock and bring it to a boil, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom and sides of the pan.
Add the mixture to the pan juices in the bowl.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
Add the flour and cook over moderately high heat for 1 minute.
Add the pan juices and remaining 2 cups of turkey stock to the saucepan and cook while whisking, until the gravy is thickened and no floury taste remains, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the maple syrup and season with salt and pepper.
Strain the gravy into a gravy boat.
Carve the turkey and serve it with the gravy.

Variations

Substitute the herbs with your favorite combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Use honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of white wine to the gravy for a more complex taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the turkey thoroughly and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin.

- Stuffing the turkey with fresh herbs and aromatics will infuse the meat with flavor from the inside out.

- Roasting the turkey at a lower temperature for a longer period of time will result in a juicy and tender bird.

- Skimming off the fat from the pan juices before making the gravy will result in a smoother and more flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy with traditional Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the turkey at a lower temperature for a longer period of time will result in a more tender and juicy bird.

- Basting the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken stock instead of turkey stock if you don't have it on hand.

- Substitute olive oil for butter in the gravy for a dairy-free option.

- Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

- The gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs and citrus slices for a beautiful presentation. - Serve the gravy in a decorative gravy boat for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy with a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.

- Pair this dish with a glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay for a perfect holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover turkey and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the turkey in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, and reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (flour). It may also contain traces of nuts if the gravy is made in a facility that processes nuts.

Summary

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions. With a combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and maple syrup, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday tradition.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and there was a chill in the air that hinted at the coming winter. I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house, and I wanted to bring something special to share with everyone.

I rummaged through my collection of cookbooks, searching for inspiration. I had always been a bit of a foodie, and I loved trying out new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy. It sounded like the perfect dish for a fall gathering, warm and comforting with a touch of sweetness.

The recipe called for a whole turkey to be rubbed with a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then roasted to golden perfection. The gravy was made with turkey drippings, maple syrup, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. It sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need for the recipe. I made a trip to the local market to pick up a fresh turkey, fragrant herbs, and a bottle of pure maple syrup. As I moved through the aisles, I could already picture the finished dish in my mind, the turkey glistening with herb-infused oil, the gravy rich and velvety with a hint of sweetness.

Back at home, I set to work preparing the turkey. I carefully washed and dried the bird, then mixed together a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley with minced garlic and olive oil. The aroma of the herbs filled the kitchen, a heady mix of earthy and fragrant scents that made my mouth water in anticipation.

I rubbed the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it into every nook and cranny. I could already feel my stomach growling at the delicious smells wafting from the oven as I slid the bird in to roast.

As the turkey cooked, I turned my attention to the gravy. I poured the pan drippings into a saucepan, then added a splash of maple syrup and a touch of apple cider vinegar. I whisked the mixture together until it thickened into a velvety sauce, the sweetness of the maple syrup balancing the tang of the vinegar perfectly.

Finally, the turkey was done. I carefully removed it from the oven, the skin golden and crispy, the meat tender and juicy. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the herb-roasted skin before I carved the bird, the flavors bursting in my mouth like a symphony of herbs and spices.

I served the turkey with a generous ladle of maple gravy, the sweetness of the sauce complementing the savory richness of the meat perfectly. As I sat down to enjoy my creation with friends, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

And so it has been. Over the years, I have made Herb-Roasted Turkey with Maple Gravy countless times, for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. Each time, it brings back memories of that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating delicious food to share with the ones you love.