Stuffed turkey - Recipe, step by step

The holidays are special times in our lives. They are occasions when we meet with friends and family to celebrate and share unforgettable moments. And there is nothing that symbolizes these celebrations more than a succulent stuffed turkey on the table.

Stuffed turkey is a classic holiday dish, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. This dish consists of a whole turkey stuffed with a delicious mix of ingredients that provide flavor and texture. The result is a juicy and tasty bird with an aromatic filling that perfectly complements the meat.

The versatility of stuffed turkey makes it suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you're celebrating a holiday, an anniversary, or just want to impress your guests with a memorable dinner, this recipe is a great choice.

Ingredients

Before embarking on preparing a delicious stuffed turkey, it is essential to have the right ingredients. Make sure you have the following items on hand:

Ingredients for the Turkey:

• A turkey of approximately 5-6 kg.
• 2 cups of chicken broth.
• 1/2 cup melted butter.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and sage.
• 1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters.
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces.
• 2 stalks celery, cut into large pieces.

Ingredients for the stuffing:

• 450 g cornbread, cut into cubes and toasted.
• 1 chopped onion.
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped.
• 2 apples, peeled, disinfected and cut into cubes.
• 1/2 cup of raisins.
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped.
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped.
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped.
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped.
• 1/2 cup melted butter.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients for the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup apricot jam.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.

Now that you have all the ingredients together, let's start preparing this delicious stuffed turkey!

Preparation of Stuffed Turkey

Step 1: Defrost the Turkey
If you are using a frozen turkey, be sure to thaw it well in advance in the refrigerator. Defrosting time depends on the size of the turkey, but generally, you will need about 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter and sauté the chopped onion and celery until tender.
Add the chopped apples and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, mix together the toast cubes, raisins, walnuts, sage, rosemary and fresh thyme.

Add the apple and onion mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
Add the melted butter and mix until all ingredients are combined.
Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuff the Turkey
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat dry with kitchen paper.
Stuff the turkey with the cornbread mixture and other ingredients. Don't compact it too much; the filling must have room to expand.
Tie the legs of the turkey with kitchen twine and place the turkey in a large baking dish with the onions, carrots and celery.
Brush the turkey with the melted butter and season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
Pour the chicken broth around the turkey to keep it juicy while cooking.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey
Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes per 500 g of turkey weight. This means that a 5-6kg turkey will need to cook for about 4-5 hours in total.
Every 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and baste the turkey with its juices and chicken broth.
When the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 75°C in the thigh and 70°C in the breast, it is ready.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and Dijon mustard over low heat until well combined.
Use this mixture to glaze the turkey during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make sure the glaze is evenly distributed over the skin of the turkey.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender and juicy.
While the turkey rests, you can strain the juices from the roasting pan and use them to make a delicious gravy.

Then, slice the turkey and serve with the stuffing and sauce of your choice.
Ready! You have prepared a delicious stuffed turkey that will have everyone at the table licking their fingers. Now, let's talk about some additional tips and suggestions to improve your dining experience.

Tips for a Perfect Stuffed Turkey

Extra Stuffing: If you have more stuffing than will fit in the turkey, you can bake it in a separate pan during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking the turkey. This will give you an extra crunchy filling to serve.

Season Ahead: If you have time, season the turkey with salt and herbs the night before cooking. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the proper internal temperature. This will ensure that the meat is safe to eat and will prevent it from becoming dry.

Vary the Filling: If you prefer a different filling, feel free to experiment. You can add ingredients such as sausages, mushrooms, chestnuts or even nuts according to your preferences.

Sides: Serve the stuffed turkey with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, and cranberries are classic options.

Remember that cooking is an art that is perfected with practice. So feel free to experiment and customize this stuffed turkey recipe to make it your own! From all of us here, happy holidays and bon appetit!