Savory Turkey with Dressing

Savory Turkey with Dressing Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3-4 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Savory Turkey with Dressing is a classic dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. This recipe features a juicy and flavorful turkey that is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and stuffed with a delicious dressing made with bread, vegetables, and herbs.

History

The tradition of serving roasted turkey with dressing dates back to the early days of American colonial history. The Native Americans introduced the Pilgrims to the concept of roasting turkey, and it quickly became a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations. Over the years, different regions and families have developed their own variations of the recipe, adding unique ingredients and flavors to suit their tastes.

Ingredients

1 turkey, 12 – 14 lb (6.35 kg), thawed if frozen
0.5 cup butter or margarine, at room temperature
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
0.5 tsp salt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
Remove the giblets, neck, and tailpiece.
In a small bowl, combine the butter, herbs, and salt.
Carefully loosen the skin from the breast of the turkey, starting from the neck.
Turn the turkey over and separate the skin from the legs and thighs.
Spread half of the butter mixture between the skin and meat, covering the breast, legs, and thighs.
Rub the remaining butter mixture over the turkey skin.
Fill the turkey body and neck cavities with some of the stuffing. Truss the turkey if desired.
Transfer the remaining stuffing to a buttered casserole dish and refrigerate it for later.
Place the turkey on a rack set in a roasting pan.
Roast the turkey, basting it with the pan juices, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180°F (82°C). This will take between three and four hours, depending on your oven.
Place the dish with the stuffing in the oven 30 minutes before the turkey is done.
Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes out of the oven before carving.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dressing for extra flavor and texture.
Use different herbs and spices to season the turkey, such as sage, thyme, or parsley.
Substitute the turkey with chicken or pork for a different twist on the recipe.

Notes

You can do this same thing with a bone-in turkey breast, except the stuffing will be cooked in a casserole dish, and the meat will take much less time. A good alternative if you don't want any leftovers or have only a few people for dinner.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Loosening the skin and spreading the butter mixture underneath will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

- Basting the turkey with pan juices throughout the cooking process will help keep it juicy.

- Letting the turkey rest before carving will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Savory Turkey with Dressing with cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans for a complete holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the turkey at a low temperature for a long period of time will result in a juicy and tender meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor in the dressing.

- Substitute olive oil for the margarine for a healthier option.

- Use gluten-free bread for the dressing to make the recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. The turkey can also be seasoned and stuffed the day before and refrigerated until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, for a beautiful presentation. Serve the dressing in a separate dish alongside the turkey for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Savory Turkey with Dressing pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. For drinks, consider serving white wine or sparkling cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover turkey and dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Savory Turkey with Dressing contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Savory Turkey with Dressing contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Savory Turkey with Dressing contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Savory Turkey with Dressing contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Savory Turkey with Dressing is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (in the bread used for the dressing) and dairy (in the butter).

Summary

Savory Turkey with Dressing is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Savory Turkey with Dressing is a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. With a juicy and flavorful turkey and a delicious dressing, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a rainy afternoon and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a worn and stained piece of paper fell out. It was a recipe for Savory Turkey with Dressing. The paper was yellowed with age and the handwriting was faded, but I could make out the ingredients and instructions.

I had never made a turkey before, but something about this recipe called out to me. I could almost taste the savory herbs and spices, the tender meat, and the crispy skin. I knew I had to try it.

I studied the recipe carefully, taking note of each ingredient and step. It called for a whole turkey, butter, onions, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, pepper, and bread crumbs. The dressing was a mixture of all these ingredients, stuffed inside the turkey and baked until golden brown and delicious.

I gathered all the ingredients and set to work. I melted the butter in a large skillet and sautéed the onions, celery, and garlic until they were soft and fragrant. Then I added the herbs and spices, letting the mixture simmer on the stove for a few minutes to develop the flavors.

Next, I added the bread crumbs and stirred everything together until it formed a moist and crumbly mixture. I stuffed the dressing inside the turkey cavity, securing it with toothpicks, and placed the bird in a roasting pan.

I brushed the turkey with melted butter and sprinkled it with salt and pepper. Then I covered the pan with foil and placed it in the oven to roast. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly – the scent of roasting turkey, herbs, and spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the turkey cooked, I basted it with pan juices every half hour, ensuring that the skin was crispy and golden brown. After a few hours, I removed the foil and let the bird roast uncovered, allowing the skin to crisp up even more.

Finally, the turkey was done. I removed it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving into it. The meat was tender and juicy, and the dressing was flavorful and moist. It was a triumph – a savory turkey with dressing that was fit for a feast.

I served the turkey on a platter, surrounded by all the traditional Thanksgiving sides – mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green beans. My family gathered around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation as they took their first bites.

The flavors were incredible – the herbs and spices melded together perfectly, creating a symphony of taste that danced on our tongues. The turkey was a hit, and my family raved about how delicious it was. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had created something special and memorable.

From that day on, Savory Turkey with Dressing became a staple in our household. It was requested for every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and I happily obliged. I even shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this delicious dish far and wide.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. I learned new techniques and tips from other cooks, incorporating them into my own version of Savory Turkey with Dressing.

Now, whenever I make this beloved dish, I think back to that rainy afternoon when I first discovered the recipe in my mother's old cookbook. It reminds me of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious and sharing it with the ones you love.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild. May you enjoy making and sharing Savory Turkey with Dressing as much as I have. And may it bring you and your loved ones as much happiness and satisfaction as it has brought me.