O2 Fitness Food of the Week: Turkey

Nov 25, 2013

Turkey is low in fat, full of protein and a great low-cost option. When compared to other meats, turkey offers less calories and less fat for about the same amount of protein.

This lean source of protein is a good source of iron, B vitamins, zinc and selenium. Dark turkey meat is higher in iron than white meat, and is also a bit higher in fat. Turkey has a mild flavor which makes it a very versatile poultry, try using turkey in place of other meats.

Good Eats Roast Turkey

Makes 10-12 servings

White turkey slices displayed in delicatessen of supermarket

Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 to 16 pound) frozen young turkey

For the brine:

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 gallon vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 ½ teaspoons allspice berries
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chopped candied ginger
  • 1 gallon heavily iced water

   For the aromatics:

  • 1 red apple, sliced
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
  • 6 leaves sage
  • Canola oil

Preparation:

   Bring 2 to 3 days before roasting:

  • Begin thawing the turkey in the refrigerator or in a cooler kept at 38 degrees F.
  • Combine the vegetable stock, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve solids and bring to a boil. Then remove the brine from the heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate.

   Early on the day or the night before you'd like to eat:

  • Combine the brine, water and ice in the 5-gallon bucket. Place the thawed turkey (with innards removed) breast side down in brine.
  • If necessary, weigh down the bird to ensure it is fully immersed, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area for 8 to 16 hours, turning the bird once half way through brining.
  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Remove the bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard the brine.
  • Place the bird on roasting rack inside a half sheet pan and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick, and 1 cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Add steeped aromatics to the turkey's cavity along with the rosemary and sage. Tuck the wings underneath the bird and coat the skin liberally with canola oil.
  • Roast the turkey on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F for 30 minutes. Insert a probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
  • Set the thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees F.
  • A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting.
  • Let the turkey rest, loosely covered with foil or a large mixing bowl for 15 minutes before carving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes – Inactive Time: 7 hours

Cook Time: 2 hours & 30 minutes – Total Time: 9 hours & 45 minutes



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