Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups chicken broth

Special equipment needed:
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.

5. Stuff the lemon and onion into the turkey cavity.

6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.

7. Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

8. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.

9. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 3-4 hours
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Internal temperature of turkey: 165°F
Serving size:
- 12-14 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 26g
- Protein: 57g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
- You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of turkey broth.

Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or bread cubes to the stuffing.
- You can use different herbs or spices to flavor the butter, such as thyme, sage, garlic, or paprika.
- You can use a different type of poultry, such as chicken or Cornish hens.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Save the turkey carcass to make homemade stock or soup.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover turkey in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
- Serve the turkey on a platter with roasted vegetables and gravy.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon slices

Pairings:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Cranberry sauce

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Stuffing
- Sweet potato casserole

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
- If the turkey is not browning enough, increase the oven temperature to 375°F for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly when handling raw poultry.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Store leftover turkey in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Roasted turkey is a traditional dish served at Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States.

Flavor profiles:
- The herb butter adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the turkey.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the turkey with your favorite sides and gravy.

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Taste: Savory, Herbal, Rich, Buttery, Tangy