| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 3 hours – 3.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 760 | 44g | 14g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 80g | 1.2g |
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying sizzle of a perfectly roasted turkey coming to golden perfection in the oven. The dish I’m speaking of today is none other than the Bay Leaf Infused Roasted Turkey. As a Maine native deeply familiar with seafood and the fresh briny taste of the Atlantic, I find that this turkey recipe reaches similar heights of profound, savory flavor. Not to mention the magic that bay leaf brings to the table. It’s a recipe that’s lingered in my kitchen’s memory, dancing playfully with the familiar scents of fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary.
A Breath of Tradition with a Twist
Beyond merely being mouthwateringly good, this turkey, steeped in fragrant herbs and a juicy citrus-infused ardor, is similar to traditional roasted turkey recipes. Yet it twists the norm with the added nuance of Bay leaves and the zestful undercurrents of fresh-squeezed orange juice providing an appropriate, holiday-centric brightness to the meat. The outcome? A turkey delightfully tender and so full of flavor it could give the traditional thanksgiving bird a run for its money.
The Health Benefits
Now, we all love a decadent roast, but it doesn’t hurt when it’s full of healthy components. Turkey, as we know, is a great source of lean protein, and ingredients like oranges, onions, and garlic contribute their share of vitamins and antioxidants too. Bay leaves, an often-underestimated herb, have potent properties that support digestion and cardiovascular health. It’s a meal that feeds the body as efficiently as it satisfies the soul.
Paired with a sides, such as a classic Waldorf salad or a hearty stuffing recipe, the Bay Leaf Infused Roasted Turkey is a dish bound to demand a second serving. You could also serve it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay, to lighten the rich flavors and making the dining experience complete.
Preparing this Bay Leaf Infused Roasted Turkey, replete with the symphony of herbs and a depth of succulent flavor, always brings me immense joy. It’s hard not to feel a certain smitten fondness when the aroma fills the home–a combination of tradition, zest and poignant culinary love notes. I’d love for you to enjoy this recipe just as much, whether to honor a family tradition, or to start a delicious new one.
What You’ll Need
- 1 turkey (12-14 lb.)
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 6 dried bay leaves
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
- 1 bunch fresh sage
- 1 bunch fresh rosemary
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Then, rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels.
Step Two
Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Rub olive oil all over the turkey skin and then season the turkey with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine the juice of the two oranges with crushed bay leaves. Stir well before injecting this mixture into the turkey meat in several spots to infuse flavor.
Step Four
Fold wings under the turkey and tie the legs together with kitchen string. Place garlic, onions, carrots, and fresh herbs (thyme, sage, and rosemary) inside the turkey cavity.
Step Five
Next, pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too quickly.
Step Six
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Baste the turkey every hour with the pan drippings.
Step Seven
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This makes the meat juicier. While the turkey rests, you can make gravy with the pan drippings if desired.
Step Eight
Carve the turkey and serve warm. Enjoy your Bay Leaf Infused Roasted Turkey!
