This turkey is moist and flavorful due to whole herbs placed underneath the skin and oranges and onions roasting in the cavity. Sure to be the staple of many holiday meals, turkey is a great addition to your diet. It’s low in fat and high in protein, and a good source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins. Here are some tips for turkey safety. A frozen turkey can be bought months in advance and stored in the freezer section of the refrigerator. Allow about 24 hours of defrost time for every 5 pounds of turkey. A 20-pound turkey will take 4-5 days to thaw! Never thaw turkey at room temperature. If you are going to stuff your turkey, do it just before you place the bird in the oven. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey, and do not over-stuff. The stuffing must be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165 degrees to be safe. To roast the perfect turkey, place the bird in a shallow pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the inner thigh of the bird and roast it in a pre-heated oven set at 325 degrees. Your turkey is cooked when the thermometer in the inner thigh reads 180 degrees, and the juices run clear. Be sure the thermometer is not touching any bones.
Ingredients
- 12 lb Turkey, giblets removed, washed inside and out
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 sprigs oregano
- 2 sprigs sage
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp dry white wine
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- 3 ea small oranges, unpeeled and cut into wedges
- 2 ea onions cut into wedges
- 1 cup low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. With your fingers, lift up the skin covering the turkey breast. Slip the thyme, oregano, sage, and parsley underneath the skin. Combine the oil, wine paprika, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the surface of the turkey. Place the oranges and onions inside the turkey.
- Place the turkey, breast side down, in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Roast for 20 – 25 minutes per pound, basting periodically. Halfway through, place breast side up. During last 45 minutes of roasting, remove cover. Continue to roast until the leg moves easily and juices run clear. Let stand for 20 minutes to help let juices settle for easier carving.








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