Get ready to prepare the ultimate roast turkey that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday feast to the next level. This recipe combines simple yet effective techniques to ensure your turkey is perfectly tender and packed with flavor. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best results.
1bottle of White Wine optional, (Chef used Chardonnay)
4 to 5sprigs Sage Leaves, whole
4 to 5sprigs Thyme Leaves, whole
4lbsCarrots, chopped
1whole stalk of Celery, chopped
3quartsChicken Stock (or as needed to cover bones and vegetables)
For the Gravy:
3ouncesButter, at room temperature (plus 2 to 3 ounces more at the end)
2large Shallots
1 ½tablespoonsFresh Sage chopped
¼cupAll Purpose Flour
4cupsTurkey Stock
Salt and Pepper to taste
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Recipe Instructions
Prepare the Turkey:
Using a boning knife, carefully separate the legs, breasts, and wings from the carcass, as demonstrated in the video.
Place the separated turkey parts on a cookie sheet and generously salt both sides for a dry brine.
Refrigerate them, uncovered, for a minimum of 2 hours if possible.
Preheat Oven to 325°F (162°C)
Remove the turkey parts from the fridge and allow them to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before coating the skin side generously with softened butter.
Place the dark meat in the Preheated Oven approximately 20 minutes ahead of the breasts.
Roast the dark meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C), while the breast should reach 155°F (68°C).
Make the Stock:
In a large stockpot, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the peeled garlic cloves and sauté for a couple more minutes.
Pour in the white wine and let it reduce until about ¼ of the volume remains.
Add the fresh herbs, turkey carcass, turkey neck, and giblets to the pot. Add enough chicken stock to cover all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Allow it to simmer for at least 2 hours, up to 5 hours if time permits. This will extract maximum flavor from the ingredients.
Prepare the Gravy:
In a reduction pan, melt 3 ounces of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped shallots and cook for a minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped fresh sage.
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture to create a soft roux.
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture to create a soft roux. Slowly pour in the turkey stock, adding one cup at a time and allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more.
Adjust the amount of stock until you achieve your desired gravy consistency.
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until you are ready to serve.
Just before serving, you can add more butter to taste for a rich and velvety finish.
Carve the Perfectly Roasted Turkey and serve it with the delicious homemade Gravy.
Equipment - You can find the items below at our online store!