Citrus-Rosemary Roasted Turkey and Gravy
Recipe courtesy of Nick Ritchie, Signature Kitchen Suite
Servings: Yields one whole roasted turkey with gravy
Ingredients
Citrus Rosemary Salt
1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
2 tbsp lemon zest
½ cup kosher salt
Roasted Turkey
1 whole turkey, approximately 10 lbs.
1 small whole onion, peeled
1 carrot, cut in half
1 celery stalk, cut in half
2-3 cups chicken stock or broth
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 lemon, halved
2 large carrots, halved lengthwise
4 celery stalks
Turkey Gravy
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
All of the reserved turkey stock from step 2 and all of the pan drippings
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tabasco sauce, to taste (optional)
Worcestershire sauce, to taste (optional)
Lemon juice, to taste (optional)
Method
For the Citrus Rosemary Salt:
In food processor, process all the ingredients. Pulse until well blended. Set aside.
For the Roasted Turkey, Stock and Gravy:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Remove neck and put into a large saucepan. Add 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk and the 2-3 cups stock or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat and let simmer until reduced to about 2 cups. Strain and reserve; this is the turkey stock that you will use for the gravy.
Wash the turkey inside and out, and dry well. Coat the turkey, inside and out, with ¼ cup of the olive oil. Season each turkey on the outside with a tablespoon or two of the Citrus Rosemary Salt, pressing it in to adhere. Place 2 rosemary sprigs and 2 lemon halves inside the cavity of the turkey.
Arrange the 2 large halved carrots and 4 celery stalks on each of 2 half-roasting pans. Position each turkey on top of the carrots and celery so that the turkey does not rest directly on the bottom of the pan. Drizzle turkey with remaining olive oil.
Roast until an instant-read thermometer (inserted deep into the thigh but away from the bone) reads 165℉ and the juices in the thigh run clear when pierced with a fork, about 2 to 2 ½ hours; begin checking at 2 hours. Remove from the pan and let rest for 15 minutes before carving. Reserve pan juices for gravy.
While turkey is resting, make the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until a smooth, blond-colored mixture is formed. Add the reserved turkey stock and pan juices and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and let simmer until thickened and ready to serve. Season lightly to taste with tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and/or lemon juice if using.
Carve turkey and serve with gravy and all of your favorite side dishes.