Herb-Brined Turkey with Pear Gravy

Health score
54%
Herb-Brined Turkey with Pear Gravy
45 min.
8
890kcal

Suggestions


Imagine the aroma of a perfectly herb-brined turkey wafting through your home, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. This Herb-Brined Turkey with Pear Gravy is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any lunch or dinner into a festive occasion. With a health score of 54, this dish balances indulgence with mindful eating, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate flavor without compromising on nutrition.

Brining the turkey in a savory mixture of kosher salt, fresh herbs, and spices ensures that every bite is juicy and packed with flavor. The addition of pear juice in the gravy adds a unique twist, enhancing the richness of the turkey while providing a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements. This recipe serves eight, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Ready in just 45 minutes of active preparation time, this dish is surprisingly manageable, even for novice cooks. The combination of marjoram, sage, and thyme creates a fragrant herb profile that elevates the turkey to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply want to impress your loved ones with a delicious homemade meal, this Herb-Brined Turkey with Pear Gravy is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup flour 
  • 0.5 cup peppercorns whole black
  • 0.3 cup butter ()
  • pound kosher salt 
  • tablespoons rum dark
  • tablespoons marjoram fresh chopped
  • cups chicken broth 
  • 0.3 cup marjoram fresh
  • cup pear juice 
  • 0.3 cup sage fresh
  • 0.3 cup thyme sprigs fresh
  • 13 pound turkey 
  • 12  turkish bay leaf 
  • gallons water 

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • pot
  • roasting pan
  • kitchen thermometer
  • aluminum foil

Directions

  1. Stir 3 gallons water and salt in large pot until salt dissolves. Stir in peppercorns and next 4 ingredients.
  2. Add turkey to brine.
  3. Place large plate atop turkey to submerge.
  4. Place in refrigerator. Soak turkey 8 to 10 hours.
  5. Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store uncovered in refrigerator.)
  6. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  7. Place turkey on rack in large roasting pan. Rub butter over turkey.
  8. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  9. Place turkey in oven. Reduce temperature to 325°F. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, about 2 1/2 hours.
  10. Transfer turkey to platter; tent with foil.
  11. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before carving (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
  12. Spoon off fat from drippings in pan, reserving 1/4 cup fat. Measure 2/3 cup pan juices. Melt butter and reserved 1/4 cup fat in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
  13. Mix in flour. Stir until light brown, about 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth, pear juice, and 2/3 cup pan juices. Simmer until thickened, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Stir in rum. Season with salt and pepper.
  14. Sprinkle turkey with marjoram; serve with gravy.
  15. No room in the fridge to brine a turkey? No problem. Put a turkey-sized oven bag in a large cooler, then place the turkey in the bag.
  16. Pour in the brine and seal tightly.
  17. Place ice over and around turkey, close the lid tightly, and let it brine 8 to 10 hours, adding ice periodically to keep temperature at 40° or below.

Nutrition Facts

Calories890kcal
Protein53.38%
Fat37.22%
Carbs9.4%

Properties

Glycemic Index
35.13
Glycemic Load
6.25
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
51.653478394384%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
4mg
Luteolin
0.87mg
Kaempferol
0.03mg
Myricetin
0.27mg
Quercetin
0.01mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:889.56kcal
44.48%
Fat:36.27g
55.8%
Saturated Fat:11.65g
72.78%
Carbohydrates:20.6g
6.87%
Net Carbohydrates:16.21g
5.9%
Sugar:2.78g
3.09%
Cholesterol:392.05mg
130.68%
Sodium:66653.56mg
2897.98%
Alcohol:1.25g
100%
Alcohol %:0.07%
100%
Protein:117.03g
234.05%
Vitamin B3:41.53mg
207.66%
Selenium:115.21µg
164.59%
Vitamin B6:3.2mg
160.06%
Copper:2.59mg
129.69%
Manganese:2.27mg
113.69%
Vitamin B12:6.46µg
107.6%
Phosphorus:1016.19mg
101.62%
Zinc:10.02mg
66.79%
Vitamin B2:1.07mg
63.23%
Vitamin K:55.85µg
53.19%
Magnesium:181.96mg
45.49%
Vitamin B5:4.51mg
45.08%
Potassium:1508.24mg
43.09%
Iron:7.55mg
41.96%
Calcium:230.36mg
23.04%
Vitamin B1:0.34mg
22.42%
Vitamin C:15.99mg
19.38%
Fiber:4.38g
17.54%
Vitamin A:804.02IU
16.08%
Folate:58.8µg
14.7%
Vitamin D:1.57µg
10.47%
Vitamin E:0.84mg
5.57%
Source:Epicurious