Festive Garlic Butter Turkey Roast
Ingredients:
Whole turkey (4-5 kg)
Garlic (6 cloves, finely minced)
Butter (250 g, softened)
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), finely chopped (1 bunch)
Lemon (1, quartered)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
Prepare the turkey:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Remove the giblets from the turkey and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry inside and out using paper towels.
Make the garlic butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and evenly distributed.
Season the turkey:
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your fingers underneath it, creating a pocket. Spread half of the garlic butter mixture evenly under the skin, covering the breast meat. Use the remaining butter to coat the outside of the turkey, ensuring it’s fully covered for maximum flavor.
Add lemon for flavor:
Place the quartered lemon wedges inside the turkey cavity. This will infuse the meat with a bright, citrusy aroma and keep it moist during roasting.
Roast the turkey:
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 75°C (165°F). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to ensure a golden, crispy skin.
Rest the turkey:
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
Serve:
Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a festive touch. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, stuffing, or seasonal vegetables.
Pro Tip:
For an even deeper flavor, prepare the turkey the night before. Rub it with the garlic butter mixture, cover it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in an extra delicious roast!
Enjoy your festive feast!