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Thanksgiving: An Even More Simple Roast Turkey

Source of Recipe

From "Thanksgiving: How to Cook it Well" by Sam Sifton


Recipe Introduction

"For those who balk at the notion of a Thanksgiving turkey scented with teriyaki sauce, here is a version that omits it in favor of the more traditionally American flavors of apple and thyme."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 1 12- to 18-pound turkey, thawed, with giblets and neck removed
â—¦ 3 tablespoons kosher salt
â—¦ 1 ½ tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
â—¦ 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
â—¦ 2 stalks celery, cleaned and roughly chopped
â—¦ 1 apple, preferably firm and sweet, halved
â—¦ 8 sprigs fresh thyme
â—¦ 1 cup turkey stock, or water mixed with apple juice


Recipe

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse turkey and dry carefully with paper towels. Rub the bird inside and out with salt and pepper and place in roasting pan fitted with a rack. Rub 3 tablespoons butter over the top of the turkey, and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter within it. Place vegetables, apple, and thyme into cavity. Tuck the tips of the wings under the bird.

Pour stock or water into the pan, beneath the bird. Put turkey in oven and roast, uncovered, for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 325 degrees and baste turkey with pan juices. After 30 additional minutes, baste again. Repeat every 30 minutes.

At 325 degrees, the turkey will cook at approximately 15 minutes per pound. (If the turkey starts to get too dark, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.) After a few hours, insert a meat thermometer straight down into fleshiest part of thigh, where it meets the drumstick, and check the temperature. Do not let the thermometer touch the bone. Thigh meat should reach no more than 165 degrees, with juices running clear when you remove the thermometer.

When bird has reached desired temperature, remove from oven and let rest for at least 30 minutes, covered in foil.
Remove foil and carve.