Deconstructed Holiday Turkey with Sage Gravy

Ingredients for Deconstructed Holiday Turkey with Sage Gravy

• 1 (6 1/2 to 3.2kg ) turkey breast on the bone

• 3 turkey drumsticks (about 1.0kg total)

• 2 turkey thighs (about 675g total)

• 60ml kosher salt

• 60ml honey

• 1 head garlic, cut in half (do not peel)

• 2 dried bay leaves

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 large whole sprigs fresh sage

• 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

• 2 teaspoons allspice berries

• 1/4 cup fresh celery leaves (from 1 bunch)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Leaves from 2 large sprigs sage, plus several whole sprigs for garnish

• 475 to 725ml low-sodium chicken broth

• 60ml (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

• 40g plain flour

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Deconstructed Holiday Turkey with Sage Gravy

Rinse turkey parts and place in doubled 2 1/2-gallon resealable plastic bags (or large stockpot). Add salt, honey, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, sage, peppercorns, allspice, and celery leaves. Add enough cold water to cover turkey — about 2.8L . Press out air, close bags, and place in large bowl or other container to protect against leaks. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 218°C. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven.

Remove turkey parts from brine, pat dry with paper towels, and place, skin side up, on racks set in 2 medium roasting pans (be sure to leave space between parts for air circulation). Pour 240ml water into each pan. Drizzle turkey parts with melted butter and scatter with sage leaves. Place 1 pan on each oven rack and roast until beginning to brown, about 30 minutes.

Lower heat to 204°C, switch positions of pans, and rotate each pan 180°. Continue roasting until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast, avoiding bone, registers 165°, about 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Transfer turkey parts to platter and tent with foil.

Pour pan juices into 4-cup glass measuring cup, let stand until fat rises to top, 2 to 3 minutes, then skim off and reserve fat.

Set 1 roasting pan across 2 burners, add 475ml chicken broth, and bring to simmer over moderately high heat, scraping up any browned bits. Add simmering broth to pan juices in measuring cup, then add additional chicken broth, if needed, to equal 950ml liquid.

In medium saucepan over moderately low heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth mixture and any collected juices from platter holding turkey, then raise heat to moderately high and boil mixture, uncovered, until thickened, about 8 minutes.

Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Carve turkey pieces and garnish with sage; serve with gravy.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.