Hey there, food lovers! 🦃🌿
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for scrumptious meals that strike that perfect balance between health and indulgence. Well, you’re in luck because today, I’ve got a recipe that’s not only perfect for your next family gathering or holiday feast, but also fits right into your healthy food repertoire. We’re tackling Roast Turkey with Gravy—it’s classic, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delicious journey!
### Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey:
– 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 lemon, halved
– 1 onion, quartered
– 4 cloves garlic, smashed
For the Gravy:
– Turkey drippings
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use whole wheat for a healthier option)
– Salt and pepper to taste
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepping the Turkey
First thing’s first—let’s talk turkey. Make sure your turkey is thawed, cleaned, and patted dry. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position an oven rack in the lowest position and remove the top rack if necessary.
**Tip:** To keep things on the healthier side, I like to use olive oil for a heart-smart seasoning. Plus, olive oil gives our turkey a beautiful golden-brown crispness!
Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil (or butter), salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Squeeze the lemon juice over the turkey, then stuff the halves inside the cavity along with the onion and garlic. This infuses your bird with delicious flavor.
#### Step 2: Roasting Time
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, carrots, onions, and celery on the bottom of the pan can work just as well.
Roast the turkey uncovered in the preheated oven. Here’s a handy rule of thumb—aim for roughly 13 minutes a pound for a perfect bird. So, a 12-pound turkey should take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
**Personal Insight:** Don’t let “basting” become a stress word. I baste just once or twice with the pan drippings if I’m around. If not, it’s totally fine. The herbs and lemon do most of the work for us flavor-wise!
#### Step 3: Making the Gravy
Once your turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast, it’s done! Transfer it to a cutting board, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest while you prepare our healthy, lip-smacking gravy.
Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a fat separator. If you don’t have one, a glass measuring cup works too—just skim off the fat after it settles.
Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom (these crispy bits are flavor gold!). Add the flour and cook, stirring for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and reserved drippings while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
**Tip:** For the Healthy Food Recipes crowd, subbing whole wheat flour has never failed me and makes it even more wholesome!
Simmer the gravy for about 5 minutes or until thickened to your liking, then season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
#### Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Carve that turkey like a pro and serve with your luscious homemade gravy. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh, vibrant salad to keep everything light and well-rounded.
And there you have it—a drool-worthy Roast Turkey with Gravy that ticks all the boxes on your Healthy Food Recipes checklist. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a Sunday dinner, or just a regular Wednesday craving something grand, this dish fits the bill every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones around the table, serve up your masterpiece, and feast like there’s no tomorrow. And don’t forget, sharing is caring, so let me know how your turkey adventures turn out in the comments below!
Happy cooking, and keep those Healthy Food Recipes coming! 🍽️❤️
Cheers,
[Your Name]