Herb-roasted Turkey with Mushroom Gravy

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Mushroom Gravy Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy is a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The combination of fresh herbs, mushrooms, and turkey creates a flavorful and comforting meal that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Roasting turkey with herbs and serving it with gravy has been a popular dish for centuries, especially during the holiday season. The addition of mushrooms to the gravy adds a rich and earthy flavor that complements the turkey perfectly.

Ingredients

10 to 12 lb (5.44 kg) turkey, thawed if frozen
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 medium onion, quartered
1 lemon, peel only, cut into strips
1 cup dried mushrooms, reconstituted, reserve 1 cup liquid
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 oz (28 g) (2 tbsp) dry white wine, or increase broth by 2 tbsp
2 tsp potato starch
0.5 tsp dried chives
0.25 tsp salt
0.13 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

To reconstitute mushrooms, cover 0.5 oz (14 g) of dried sliced mushrooms with 1.5 cups of warm water.
Let it stand for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Remove the turkey giblets and neck from the body cavities.
Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
Starting at the neck, gently loosen the skin over the entire breast using your fingers.
Place thyme and rosemary sprigs at even intervals under the skin, then pat the skin back in place.
Place the onion and lemon peel in the body cavity of the turkey.
Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
Roast the turkey for 3.5-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the fleshy part of the inner thigh reaches 180°F (82°C).
Let the turkey stand for 15 minutes before carving.
Remove the skin before eating.
Meanwhile, to prepare the gravy, pour the pan drippings into a 2-cup measure and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Skim off and discard the fat, then pour the remaining liquid into a small saucepan.
Add the mushrooms, 1 cup of mushroom liquid, broth, wine, potato starch, chives, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, then bring it to a boil.
Simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve the gravy with the turkey.

Variations

Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs if desired.
Use different types of mushrooms in the gravy for a variety of flavors.
Add a splash of white wine to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thaw the turkey completely before roasting to ensure even cooking.

- Loosening the skin and placing herbs underneath will infuse the meat with flavor.

- Letting the turkey rest before carving will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bird.

- Skimming off the fat from the pan drippings will create a healthier gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy alongside traditional Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the turkey at a low temperature for a long period of time ensures a juicy and tender bird. Simmering the gravy allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms instead. You can also use cornstarch instead of potato starch to thicken the gravy.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey and gravy ahead of time and reheat before serving. Store the turkey and gravy separately in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the herb-roasted turkey with fresh herbs and serve the gravy in a gravy boat for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy with a side of roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy contains approximately 30 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 mushrooms and chicken broth, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any special occasion. The combination of fresh herbs, mushrooms, and tender turkey creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a cold winter evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for dinner. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma of herbs and roasting turkey. Margaret was bustling around the kitchen, her hands moving with practiced ease as she prepared our meal.

I watched in awe as she seasoned the turkey with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, then placed it in the oven to roast. The savory scent filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. As the turkey cooked, Margaret whipped up a rich mushroom gravy to accompany it. The aroma of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water.

I couldn't help but ask Margaret for the recipe. She laughed and said it was a family secret, passed down through generations. But she could tell how much I admired her cooking, so she agreed to share it with me. As she dictated the ingredients and instructions, I furiously scribbled them down on a scrap of paper, eager to try it out for myself.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I carefully seasoned the turkey with a blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic, just as Margaret had shown me. The aroma that filled my kitchen was just as intoxicating as it had been in Margaret's, bringing back memories of that cozy winter evening.

As the turkey roasted in the oven, I prepared the mushroom gravy, following Margaret's instructions to the letter. I sautéed the mushrooms until they were golden brown and fragrant, then added in the garlic, thyme, and a splash of white wine. The flavors mingled and melded together, creating a rich, velvety sauce that was the perfect accompaniment to the herb-roasted turkey.

When the turkey was done, I carved it into thick slices and drizzled it with the mushroom gravy. The first bite was pure bliss – the meat was tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of the herbs and spices. The gravy added an extra layer of richness and depth, tying the whole dish together in perfect harmony.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. As we sat down to dinner that evening, the herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy elicited oohs and ahhs from my loved ones. They couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious meal all on my own.

From that day on, the herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for holidays, special occasions, or just whenever I wanted to treat my family to a hearty and comforting meal. And every time I made it, I thought of Margaret and that magical winter evening when I first learned the recipe.

Cooking has always been a way for me to express my love and care for my family. And with each dish I make, I carry a piece of the people who have taught me along the way – like Margaret and her herb-roasted turkey with mushroom gravy. It's not just a recipe, but a memory, a connection to the past that I can pass down to future generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.