A guide to Christmas turkeys Jamie Oliver Features from www.jamieoliver.com
Introduction
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy a delicious meal. And what better way to do so than with a juicy and flavorful turkey? Jamie Oliver's turkey recipe is a great option for those who want to impress their guests with a succulent bird that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
To make Jamie Oliver's turkey recipe, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 turkey (14-16 pounds) - 2 onions - 2 carrots - 2 sticks of celery - 1 bulb of garlic - 1 lemon - 1 orange - 1-2 fresh bay leaves - A few sprigs of fresh thyme - A few sprigs of fresh rosemary - 1/2 stick of butter - Olive oil - Salt and pepper
The Turkey
The most important ingredient in this recipe is, of course, the turkey. Make sure you buy a good quality bird that is fresh or thawed if it was frozen. The size of the turkey will depend on how many people you are feeding, but a 14-16 pound turkey should feed around 12 people.
The Vegetables and Herbs
The onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are used to flavor the turkey and make a delicious gravy. The lemon and orange add a citrusy freshness to the bird, while the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary provide a fragrant aroma.
The Butter and Olive Oil
The butter and olive oil are used to baste the turkey and ensure that it stays moist and juicy.
The Salt and Pepper
The salt and pepper are used to season the turkey and bring out its natural flavors.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for Jamie Oliver's turkey recipe:
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the turkey out of its packaging and remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Stuff the Turkey
Cut the onions, carrots, and celery into large chunks and stuff them into the cavity of the turkey. Add the garlic bulb, lemon, orange, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary to the cavity as well.
Step 3: Tie the Legs
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing and herbs inside the cavity.
Step 4: Season the Turkey
Rub the turkey all over with the butter and olive oil, making sure to get under the skin as well. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast it in the preheated oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
Step 6: Rest the Turkey
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
Step 7: Make the Gravy
While the turkey is resting, strain the pan juices into a saucepan and skim off any fat. Add some flour to the pan and cook it for a few minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the pan juices and cook the gravy until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Turkey is a lean protein that is low in fat and calories. A 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey breast contains about 125 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 26 grams of protein. The vegetables and herbs used in this recipe add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal. However, the butter and gravy can add extra calories and fat, so it's important to use them in moderation.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver's turkey recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare a juicy and flavorful bird for Thanksgiving or any other occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can impress your guests with a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
