Roasted turkey with oranges and tarragon
Would you like to give your Christmas a new twist this year? Try our delicious Roast Turkey with Oranges and Tarragon recipe! By using a specially flavored butter, this recipe guarantees a turkey that is incredibly juicy and full of savory flavors. The citrusy notes of the orange complement the aromatic tarragon perfectly and create a truly sensational taste experience. The result is a juicy and succulent roast turkey that will impress your guests and keep them coming back. As the turkey cooks, the flavors meld beautifully together, creating a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Serve with all the traditional accompaniments for a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 5-5½ kg/11-12 pounds turkey, rinsed and dried
- 100 g butter, soft
- 1 orange
- 15g pack of tarragon, 2 tbsp finely chopped, the rest tied into a bunch with twine
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 onion, quartered
- 150 ml dry white wine
- Sage or tarragon sprigs for serving
Tip
Keep the meat moist
Turkey legs cook more slowly
Tempo as breast meat, so the breast
If you don’t, it may get a little dry
cautious. Cook the bird with a flavor
Butter between meat and skin
help avoid this.
Preparation steps
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas. 4. Line a roasting pan with a very generous piece of double-thickness foil. Weigh the turkey to calculate cooking time. Allow 40 minutes per kg for the first 4kg and then 50 minutes for each weight over that (a turkey of this size should take 3½-4 hours).
- Put the butter in a bowl and finely grate the orange peel over it. Add the chopped tarragon, garlic and spices and mix well. You can make this 3 days in advance.
- Gently slide your fingers under the turkey skin, starting at the neck end of the bird, loosening the skin from the breast and top of the legs. Now spread the flavored butter under the skin, being careful not to tear it. You won’t be able to get all the way to the drumsticks, but you can spread the butter more easily by brushing it through the skin. Quarter the orange and put it in the turkey cavity together with the onion and the bunch of tarragon (step by step). You can do this the night before.
- Season the turkey with salt and pepper, then remove it to the foil-lined roasting pan. Pour the wine into the cavity of the turkey, then fold up the sides of the foil and cover the top of the bird with a layer of foil. Roast after the calculated time.
- 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the foil from the top of the turkey and place the potatoes in the oven.
- To test whether the turkey is cooked, pierce the fattest part of the thigh with a skewer – the juices that come out should be clear, not pink. If pink, continue roasting, checking at 10-minute intervals.
- Remove the turkey, transfer it to a warm serving platter, and let it rest, loosely covered with foil, for 30-40 minutes before carving. In the meantime, turn the oven up to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6 and cook the potatoes with the filling and sausages for a further 30 minutes. Serve the turkey decorated with herbs.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 569 | 28g | 12g | 3g | 3g | 1g | 73g | 0.8g |
Equipment and tools
For this recipe you will need the following equipment and tools:
- Oven
- frying pan
- Basting brush
- dulcimer
- Knife
- Garlic press
- String
Allergen information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Dairy products (butter)
Storage and leftovers
After cooking, allow the turkey to cool completely before storing leftovers. Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to warm up thoroughly before eating.
Health Benefits of Roasted Turkey with Orange and Tarragon
When it comes to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, roasted turkey is often the star of the show. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it also offers several health benefits. This recipe for Roasted Turkey with Oranges and Tarragon is not only a juicy and flavorful dish, but it also contains nutrient-dense ingredients.
1. Lean Protein Source:
Turkey is a lean meat that is low in fat and high in protein. A 5-5½ kg turkey provides a generous amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissue in the body. Protein also plays a crucial role in the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
Oranges, one of the main ingredients in this recipe, are a fantastic source of vitamin C. This essential antioxidant vitamin strengthens the immune system, supports collagen production and promotes healthy skin. Tarragon, another ingredient, is packed with essential minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium, which are important for various body functions.
3. Useful Connections:
Both oranges and tarragon contain beneficial compounds that contribute to overall health. Oranges are rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Tarragon contains a compound called estragole, which has been studied for its potential antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
4. Possible immune-boosting properties:
Vitamin C from oranges plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. It stimulates the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases. Eating foods like roasted turkey with orange can help boost your immune response and maintain your health.
5. Taste without excess fat:
Using flavored butter in this recipe not only helps keep the turkey moist but also adds a touch of flavor. By using butter instead of oils or fatty sauces, you can add more flavor to your dish without too much saturated fat. This can be beneficial for those who are watching their fat intake or aiming for a heart-healthy meal.
Incorporating this Roast Turkey with Oranges and Tarragon recipe into your holiday menu will help you enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. The lean protein, vitamins, minerals and immune-boosting properties make this dish a healthy addition to your festive celebrations. So go ahead, indulge your taste buds and nourish your body at the same time!
