Roast Turkey Recipe

Roast Turkey Recipe

History of Roast Turkey:

Roast turkey has a long history and is often associated with festive occasions, most notably Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tradition of cooking and serving turkey can be traced back to the 16th century when European explorers brought turkeys from the Americas to Europe. Turkey quickly became a popular choice for feasts due to its large size and flavorful meat. Over the years, roast turkey has evolved and become a beloved dish enjoyed by many around the world.

Fun Facts about Roast Turkey:

1. The turkey was prized by the Aztecs and Mayans even before the arrival of the Europeans. They considered it a sacred bird and used its feathers for ceremonial purposes.
2. The turkey was named after the country Turkey because Europeans believed that it had originated from there.
3. It is estimated that 46 million turkeys are consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day alone.
4. The tradition of the presidential turkey pardon started in 1947 when President Harry S. Truman received a live turkey as a gift and decided to spare it from becoming Thanksgiving dinner.
5. The Guinness World Record for the largest roast turkey ever cooked weighed over 86 kilograms (190 pounds).

Roast Turkey Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (size depends on the number of servings needed)
- Plain bread stuffing or chestnut stuffing
- Salt
- 1/3 cup of fat (such as butter or oil)
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 2 cups of boiling water or turkey stock
- Giblet sauce
- Cranberry sauce

Instructions:

1. Singe and clean the turkey, just like you would with a chicken. Make sure to remove any feathers and excess fat. Rinse the turkey thoroughly.

2. Prepare the stuffing of your choice. You can either use plain bread stuffing or chestnut stuffing. Stuff the turkey with the chosen stuffing, filling the cavity loosely. Be sure to tie down the legs to keep the stuffing secure inside.

3. Rub the entire surface of the turkey with salt. This will help to season the meat. Cover the turkey and let it stand overnight in the refrigerator.

4. In the morning, preheat the oven to a high temperature. Place a rack in a large roasting pan or drip pan.

5. Cream and mix 1/3 cup of fat (butter or oil) with 1/4 cup of flour. Spread this mixture over the breast, legs, and wings of the turkey, ensuring an even coating. Dredge the bottom of the pan with flour.

6. Place the turkey in the hot oven and allow the flour on the turkey to begin browning. After a few minutes, reduce the heat and add 2 cups of boiling water or turkey stock to the pan. Baste the turkey with 1/4 cup of fat and 3/4 cup of boiling water.

7. Baste the turkey every fifteen minutes while it cooks. This helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Avoid pricking the turkey with a fork as it can cause the juices to escape. Instead, press the meat gently with your fingers. When the breast meat and leg feel soft to the touch, the turkey is done.

8. Throughout the cooking process, if the oven is too hot, cover the pan with foil to prevent excessive browning. Also, turn the turkey occasionally to ensure even browning.

9. Once the turkey is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before removing the strings and skewers. Transfer the turkey to a hot serving platter, ready to be carved and served.

10. Serve the roast turkey with giblet sauce and cranberry sauce for a traditional and delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Stuffed Turkey Neck (Turkish Style): Take the neck of the turkey and stuff it with a mixture of chopped almonds or walnuts seasoned with chopped parsley, pepper, and salt. Place two hard-boiled eggs in the center of the stuffing. Sew up the ends of the neck and roast it. After roasting, slice the turkey neck across so that each slice has a portion of the hard-boiled egg. Surround with sprigs of parsley for an elegant presentation.

2. Roast Chicken: If you prefer a smaller bird, you can follow a similar recipe for roast chicken. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as a chicken will require less time in the oven compared to a turkey. The process of preparing and seasoning the bird will remain the same.

Roast turkey is a classic dish that brings people together to celebrate special occasions. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other gathering, the aroma and taste of a perfectly cooked turkey never fail to create a festive atmosphere. So, gather your loved ones, follow this recipe, and enjoy a delicious roast turkey feast!