| Prep: 45 mins | Cook: 3 – 4 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 870 | 37g | 10g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 5g | 114g | 1.7g |
As a passionate food aficionado and a firm believer in the magic of flavor blending, the Mace and Sage Roasted Turkey has a special place in my heart. The citrusy tang of oranges, the subtle sweetness of apples, and the earthy tones of mace and sage form a symphony of flavors, melting into a succulent, juicy turkey—a testament to my love for fusing different culinary influences.
Heritage Meets Flavor Fusion
Being raised in Seattle, I grew up surrounded by Pacific Northwest ingredients and a culture that valued farm-to-table quality. Living in the sweet spot between the bounty of land and sea, I learned to appreciate the finest gifts of nature and how to blend them with my Japanese heritage. One of the dishes that reflect this in its entirety is the Mace and Sage Roasted Turkey. Reminiscent of traditional Japanese Yakitori, but with a clever play of Western and Eastern flavors, the recipe showcases my culinary journey.
Feasting, Not Just Feeding
The Mace and Sage Roasted Turkey is not only a palate pleaser, but it also boasts tremendous nutritional benefits. The lean proteins from the turkey nourish the body and promote muscle growth while oranges and apples contribute an abundance of vitamins and dietary fiber. Coupled with the immune-boosting properties of garlic and the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil, this dish helps keep wellness at the forefront. More about the health benefits of turkey can be learned here.
The blissful pairing of this turkey is with a side of oven-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a simple buttery mashed potato. But if you want to keep the Eastern and Western fusion theme going, I would recommend a pairing with steamed sushi rice and a salad of fresh seaweeds. There is truly no limit to how much you can enjoy and experiment with this flavorful roasted turkey.
In conclusion, the Mace and Sage Roasted Turkey is the reflection of my passion and culinary journey – a flavorful harmony that pays tribute to my Pacific Northwest and Japanese roots while offering plenty of nutritional benefits. It’s not just food—it’s an experience, a feast that nurtures both body and soul.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole turkey (approximately 15–20 pounds)
- 3 oranges, zested and juiced
- 3 apples, cut into quarters
- 2 onions, cut into quarters
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried mace
- 2 tablespoons dried sage
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Method
Step One
Prepare the turkey by cleaning it thoroughly and removing any giblets. Dry the turkey completely with paper towels.
Step Two
To create the flavoring paste, combine the orange zest and juice, minced garlic, mace, sage, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix until an aromatic paste is formed.
Step Three
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Step Four
Begin flavoring the turkey by massaging the outside with your seasoning paste. Make sure to get the paste in every nook and cranny, including under the skin where possible.
Step Five
Next, fill the cavity of the turkey with the quartered apples, onions, and sprigs of rosemary.
Step Six
Place the turkey in a roasting pan breast side up. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will provide additional moisture during the cooking process.
Step Seven
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Step Eight
Take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute through the meat for a more flavorful turkey.
Step Nine
Carve the turkey and serve it warm. Enjoy your flavorful, mace and sage roasted turkey.
