Herb-Roasted Turkey
Servings: 24
Ingredients
- 18 lb raw whole turkey
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp ground black pepper
- 1.5 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1.5 tsp ground sage
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp dried basil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 18 fresh marjoram sprigs leaves removed and finely chopped, stems discarded
- 18 fresh parsley sprigs
- 2 medium onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 medium celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 medium leeks, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 garlic head halved crosswise
- cooking string
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450° F. Place rack in lowest position in oven.
- Remove turkey neck and giblets from inside turkey; rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Combine salt, pepper, thyme, sage, oregano, and basil in a small bowl; mix well.
- Slide your hand under the skin of the turkey breast to loosen. Rub the pepper mixture inside turkey cavity, under skin, and on skin.
- Pour ¼ cup broth into turkey cavity.
- Combine ¾ cup broth and chopped garlic in a small bowl; pour over turkey.
- Combine marjoram, parsley, onions, carrots, celery, and leeks in a large bowl; mix well. Place in turkey cavity with garlic head.
- Tie turkey legs together with cooking string. Place turkey breast side up on cooking rack set in a large, heavy roasting pan. Pour 2 cups broth into bottom of roasting pan. Tent aluminum foil over turkey and sides of the pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 325° F. Bake for an additional 3 to 3½ hours, basting with remaining 3 cups broth and pan juices every 20 minutes. Remove aluminum foil after 2½ hours. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 180° F, and juices run clear.
- Let turkey sit for 20 minutes before carving. Discard skin and vegetables before serving.