Spice-Rubbed Turkey with Cognac Gravy

Ingredients for Spice-Rubbed Turkey with Cognac Gravy

• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

• 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

• 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika (pimentón dulce)*

• 1 (18- to 20-pound) turkey

• neck, heart, and gizzard reserved for giblet broth

• 1325ml turkey broth

• 1200ml (about) turkey broth

• 180ml dry white vermouth

• 2 tablespoons Cognac

• 40g plain flour

• *Sweet paprika is available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores, and online from latienda.com.

How to make Spice-Rubbed Turkey with Cognac Gravy

Toast coriander, cumin, peppercorns, and cinnamon in small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl; cool. Grind spices to powder in spice grinder. Transfer spice powder to small bowl; mix in salt and paprika. Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan; tuck wings under. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon spice mixture in main cavity of turkey and remaining spice mixture all over turkey skin; tie legs together to hold shape. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.

Let turkey stand 1 hour at room temperature.

Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 232°C. Pour 350ml turkey broth into pan with turkey. Reduce heat to 177°C; roast turkey 2 hours. Add 475ml broth to pan. Roast 1 hour; pour 475ml broth over turkey. Cover turkey loosely with foil. Continue roasting until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 79°C, about 1 hour longer.

Place reserved turkey neck, heart, and gizzard in medium saucepan; add 725ml turkey broth. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Strain broth into 4-cup measuring cup; reserve neck, heart, and gizzard. Skim any fat from surface of giblet broth. Add enough turkey broth to giblet broth to measure 950ml total. Remove meat from neck. Finely chop neck, heart, and gizzard.

Transfer turkey to platter, tent loosely with foil and kitchen towel, and let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will rise 5 to 10 degrees).

Pour pan juices from roasting pan into large measuring cup. Spoon fat from surface. Transfer 60ml fat to medium saucepan (if needed, use some of reserved fat from turkey broth to measure 60ml total). Discard any excess fat.

Place roasting pan over 2 burners set at medium-high heat. Add vermouth and Cognac to pan and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Add degreased pan juices and 240ml giblet broth; bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.

Heat reserved 4 tablespoons fat in saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour, whisking until smooth. Whisk constantly until starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in pan-juice mixture and 725ml giblet broth. Simmer until gravy is thick enough to coat spoon, whisking occasionally, about 10 minutes. Mix in chopped neck, heart, and gizzard. Season with salt and pepper. Carve turkey and 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.