Classic Roast Turkey and Gravy |
|
 |
Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 8 |
|
For an evenly browned bird, turn the turkey's direction in the oven halfway through roasting, and baste often with pan drippings during the last 45 minutes. Make the gravy right in the roasting pan or transfer drippings to a saucepan. Editor's Favorite Ingredients:
1 (12-pound) turkey |
1 bay leaf |
2 celery ribs with leaves |
1 small onion, quartered |
salt and pepper |
1/2 cup butter, softened |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon pepper |
1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
salt and pepper to taste |
garnishes: bay leaves, lady apples, cornbread dressing croquettes |
Directions:
1. Remove giblets and neck from turkey; place in a large saucepan, adding bay leaf, 1 celery rib, and half the onion. Add 6 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 1 hour. Pour through a strainer. (You should yield 3 cups; add water if necessary to measure 3 cups.) Set aside.
2. Rinse turkey with cold water. Drain; pat dry. Sprinkle body cavity with salt and pepper; place remaining celery rib and onion inside cavity. Close cavity; tie ends of legs together with heavy string. Tuck wingtips under bird. Place turkey in a lightly greased roasting pan, breast side up. Rub turkey all over with 2 tablespoons softened butter; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
3. Roast, uncovered, at 325° until a meat thermometer reaches 180° in the thigh (about 3 hours), basting after 1 and 2 hours with remaining softened butter; turn turkey halfway through roasting. Baste frequently during last 45 minutes of cooking. Add 1 cup reserved turkey broth to roasting pan during last half hour of roasting. If turkey starts to brown too much, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Let turkey rest in pan 5 minutes; carefully remove to a serving platter or carving board. Cover with foil, and let rest up to 45 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare gravy. Skim excess fat from pan drippings, if desired. Working over medium heat on the stovetop, whisk flour into pan drippings until smooth. Whisking constantly, gradually add remaining 2 cups turkey broth; simmer 5 to 10 minutes or until gravy is thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve gravy with turkey. Garnish turkey, if desired.
|
|