Provencal Herb-Rubbed Butterflied Turkey
Elevate Your Feast with a Culinary Masterpiece - A Butterflied Turkey Infused with Provencal Herbs!
Transform your holiday table into a culinary celebration with this Provencal Herb-Rubbed Butterflied Turkey. The artful combination of rich butter, aromatic Provencal herbs, and a unique butterfly technique ensures a turkey that's not only beautifully presented but also bursting with flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a succulent and herb-infused centerpiece for your festive gatherings.
Home Recipes
Baking
Rosemary
Mediterranean
Video
Ingredients
Steps to make it
Nutrition Facts
Meat
Recipe Cuisine:
American
Servings:
8 people
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
2 hours 30 minutes
Turkey meat offers various health benefits, serving as a lean protein source that supports muscle health, provides essential vitamins and minerals (such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium), and is low in saturated fat. The tryptophan content in turkey contributes to mood regulation and sleep. Additionally, turkey promotes satiety, making it a suitable option for weight management. Its immune-boosting properties, versatility in cooking methods, and ability to support blood health further contribute to its overall nutritional value. However, it's essential to consider individual dietary needs and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
The butterfly technique, also known as spatchcocking, offers several benefits when preparing and cooking a turkey or other poultry. Here are some advantages of using the butterfly technique:
Even Cooking:
- Butterflying the turkey results in a more even thickness throughout the meat. This helps ensure that all parts of the bird cook at the same rate, reducing the risk of overcooking the breast while waiting for the thighs and wings to cook through.
Faster Cooking Time:
- Because of the even thickness achieved through butterflying, the turkey cooks more quickly than if it were left whole. This can significantly reduce the overall cooking time, making it a time-efficient method, especially for larger birds.
Crispier Skin:
- The flattened position of the turkey exposes more skin to the oven's heat, promoting a crispier and more evenly browned skin. This results in a visually appealing presentation and a desirable texture.
More Surface Area for Seasoning:
- The exposed surface area of the butterflied turkey allows for more even application of seasonings, marinades, or rubs. This enhances the flavor profile of the turkey, ensuring that the herbs and spices penetrate the meat evenly.
Easy Carving:
- Butterflying makes the turkey easier to carve after cooking. The flattened shape provides a clear view of the joints and makes it simpler to separate the different cuts, facilitating the serving process.
Space-Efficient Cooking:
- The flattened shape of the turkey allows for more efficient use of oven space, making it easier to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, especially during holiday cooking when oven real estate is at a premium.
Moisture Retention:
- Butterflying can help the turkey retain moisture during the cooking process. The even cooking and shorter cooking time reduce the risk of dryness, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat.
Easier Handling:
- A butterflied turkey is more manageable and easier to handle than a whole turkey, making it a practical choice for home cooks. The streamlined shape is also convenient for those who may have limited oven space or smaller roasting pans.
Overall, the butterfly technique is a versatile and efficient method that offers both practical and culinary benefits, ensuring a well-cooked, flavorful, and visually appealing turkey.
Step by Step Recipe Instruction Video:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds, or 5.4-6.8 kg), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 stick ( 50g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons mixed dried Provencal herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, lavender)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Steps to make it:
Instructions:
Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
Butterfly the Turkey:
- Place the turkey on a clean and sturdy surface, breast side down.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut along one side of the backbone from tail to neck.
- Repeat on the other side, removing the backbone completely.
- Turn the turkey over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the bird.
Herb Butter Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, dried Provencal herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful herb butter rub.
Rub the Turkey:
- Gently lift the skin of the turkey and rub half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat, ensuring an even coating.
- Spread the remaining herb butter over the skin, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Truss the Turkey (Optional):
- Truss the turkey with kitchen twine if desired, securing the wings and legs close to the body for even cooking.
Roasting:
- Place the butterflied turkey on a roasting pan with a rack, breast side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Resting:
- Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This ensures the juices redistribute for a moist and flavorful result.
Carving:
- Carve the butterflied turkey into slices, serving the succulent meat with the crispy skin.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the carved turkey on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with your favorite sides and gravy.
This Provencal Herb-Rubbed Butterflied Turkey is not only a visual spectacle but a masterpiece of flavors that will elevate your holiday or special occasion meal to new heights. Enjoy the juicy, herb-infused goodness with every bite!
© Copyrigh 2024 Laki Maikaʻi. All rights reserved.
Pairing Ideas for Provencal Herb-Rubbed Butterflied Turkey:
Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- Serve the turkey with a side of homemade cranberry orange sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- Creamy garlic mashed potatoes complement the herb-rubbed turkey, creating a comforting and flavorful combination.
Roasted Vegetables:
- Roast seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a colorful and nutritious side.
Wild Rice Pilaf:
- A wild rice pilaf with dried fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs adds a nutty and aromatic element to the meal.
Herbed Gravy:
- Prepare a rich and herbed gravy using the turkey drippings for an extra layer of flavor.
Citrusy Quinoa Salad:
- A light and refreshing quinoa salad with citrus segments, chopped herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette makes for a vibrant side dish.
Green Bean Almondine:
- Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds provide a crisp and nutty side to balance the richness of the turkey.
Chestnut Stuffing:
- A classic chestnut stuffing with herbs complements the Provencal flavors and adds a festive touch.
Pear and Walnut Salad:
- Combine fresh pear slices, mixed greens, walnuts, and blue cheese with a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Sweet Potato Casserole:
- A sweet potato casserole with a pecan and brown sugar topping adds a touch of sweetness to the savory main dish.
Sourdough Herb Stuffing:
- Sourdough herb stuffing with celery and onions is a flavorful and traditional accompaniment.
Pear Chutney:
- Create a pear chutney with spices like cinnamon and cloves for a unique and festive condiment.
Pumpkin Sage Risotto:
- Creamy pumpkin sage risotto is a decadent side dish that complements the herb-rubbed turkey beautifully.
Brandy-Glazed Carrots:
- Glaze carrots with a brandy reduction for a sophisticated and flavorful side dish.
Apple Rosemary Tart:
- Conclude the meal with an apple rosemary tart or galette for a delightful dessert that echoes the herb-infused theme.
Feel free to mix and match these pairing ideas to create a well-rounded and memorable feast centered around your Provencal Herb-Rubbed Butterflied Turkey.
© Copyrigh 2024 Laki Maikaʻi. All rights reserved.
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Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels.
