How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Meal

Enjoy this Thanksgiving Turkey recipe by Look's Marketplace, featuring a succulent roast infused with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Our preparation ensures a tender and flavorful turkey with a rich gravy, ready in just an hour and a half for more time with loved ones.

Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey, cut into pieces (ask your butcher to prepare this for you)

• 2 bulbs of garlic

• 1 lemon

• Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)

• Butcher’s twine

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Olive oil

• 1 stick of unsalted butter

• Flour, as needed

• House-made chicken stock

• Additional sides: green bean casserole, cheesy corn skillet, mashed potatoes, yams, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, multigrain bread, and pie for dessert

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aromatics:

   • Gently press the garlic bulbs with the side of a knife and give them a light whack to loosen the cloves. Leave the paper on to prevent burning.

   • Tie the rosemary and thyme into a bundle with butcher’s twine.

   • Halve the lemon and set aside.

2. Season the Turkey:

   • Generously season the turkey pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. This can be done a day in advance or just before cooking.

3. Brown the Turkey:

   • Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Place the turkey skin side down and reduce heat to medium, aiming for a crispy skin and juicy inside.

   • Press firmly on the meat to ensure good contact with the pan and move around any rendered fats to get an even sear.

4. Add Butter and Aromatics:

   • Once the turkey is browned, add a whole stick of butter, the herb bundle, lemon halves (flesh side down), and garlic bulbs to the pan.

   • After the butter melts, baste the turkey with the mixture to infuse it with the flavors.

5. Roast the Turkey:

   • Transfer the turkey to a 400°F (204°C) oven and roast for about 40 minutes.

   • For doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the breast and over 170°F (77°C) in the leg.

6. Prepare the Gravy:

   • Remove the turkey and tent with foil if the dark meat needs longer. Return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes if necessary.

   • For the gravy, move the pan with the turkey drippings to medium-low heat.

   • Squeeze the roasted garlic into the pan, add a few tablespoons of flour for thickness, and pour in the chicken stock.

   • Increase heat to medium-high, return the aromatics to the pan, and deglaze by scraping the fond from the bottom.

   • Once the sauce thickens and changes color, adjust thickness as needed, and season with salt.

7. Strain and Serve the Gravy:

   • Pass the gravy through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract all flavors.

   • Serve the gravy over the sliced turkey breast and alongside your chosen sides.

Plating and Presentation:

• Slice the turkey breast for serving.

• Arrange the sides around the turkey on a large platter.

• Drizzle the gravy over the turkey or serve it on the side.

• Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.

Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, ready in just an hour and a half!