dry rubbed roast turkey with pan gravy

By ctozzi

FINE COOKING• OCT/NOV 2009

Let the cooking begin with the big bird, which gets a salt rub. Leave it in the fridge overnight to season the meat and dry the skin so that it will get good and crisp. The gravy will come together while the cooked turkey rests. Serves 12

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage
• 2 Tbs. finely grated orange zest
• 1 oz. kosher salt (1/4 cup Diamond Crystal or 2 Tbs. Morton); more as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 12-lb. all-natural turkey
• 2 large carrots, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 2 medium celery stalks, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth
• 1 1/2 cups lower-salt chicken broth
• 1 1/8 oz. (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour

Preparation

Step 1

Season the turkey: In a medium bowl, mix the sage, zest, 1 oz. salt, and 1 Tbs. pepper.

Remove the tail, neck, heart, and gizzards from the turkey and reserve for making ¬broth, if you like (go to FineCooking.com for recipe). Discard the liver.

Remove and discard the plastic timer and any metal or plastic holders. Rinse and pat the turkey dry. spice mixture under the turkey's skin over the entire breast , legs, and thighs, as well as the cavity and over the wings.

Set on a platter or pan large enough to hold the turkey and refrigerate uncovered overnight.

Roast the turkey: Position a rack in the of the oven and heat the oven to 400F. In a large bowl, toss the carrots, celery, and onion with the oil. Put half of the vegetables in the centre of a large flameproof roasting pan and put the rest in the turkey cavity. Tuck the wings behind the turkey's neck and tie the legs together with twine. Set a V-rack in the roasting pan over the vegetables. Put the turkey breast side down on the V-rack. Roast for 1 hour.

Remove the pan from the oven and baste the turkey back and sides with some of the pan drippings. With silicone oven mitts or two wads of paper towels, carefully turn the turkey breast side up and baste with more pan drippings.

Continue to roast the turkey until an instant¬- read thermometer inserted in the thickest part ofthe thigh registers 175°F, an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours. During this phase, check the vegetables in the pan every 20 minutes or so: They should be brown, but if they or the drippings threaten to burn, add about 1/4 cup water-you may need to do this several times. When the turkey is done, protect your hands with silicone oven mitts or wads of paper towels and tilt the turkey so the juices in the cavity run into the roasting pan.

Transfer the turkey to a carving board and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes. Carve when ready to serve.

Make the gravy: While the turkey is resting, set the roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the wine and cook, using a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to loosen the brown bits, until reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the contents of the roasting pan into a bowl, pressing on the solids to release the flavourful drippings. Discard the solids.
In a 1-quart liquid measuring cup, combine the broth with 1 1/2 cups water. Tasting as you go, add enough of the pan drippings to the broth to make a flavourful yet not overly salted liquid-you mayor may not use all of the drip¬pings. Let sit until the fat rises to the surface. Skim off and reserve as much fat as possible.
Measure 4 Tbs. of the fat into a medium saucepan (supplement with olive oil if necessary) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking almost constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in about 1/2 cup of the broth. As soon as the broth thickens, whisk in another 1/2 cup. Repeat until the mixture stays relatively smooth, at which point you can whisk in the remaining broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes to develop the flavour. The gravy will be on the thin side; if you prefer it thicker, continue simmering until thickened to your liking, but expect the flavour to concentrate as well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour into a gravy boat and serve with the carved turkey.

Tip Sheet : Use an all-natural turkey. Avoid kosher birds (they're already brined and will be too salty) and "self-basting" birds (which are treated with fat solutions). Consider ordering your bird in advance.

Rub it in. Use an herb-zest-spice rub on the turkey for loads of extra flavour.

Let it rest. Let your turkey rest for 30 to 40 minutes before carving the juices will redistribute into the meat, making it moist and tender. It also gives you time to finish preparing the meal.

Get the lumps out. For lump-free gravy, gradually whisk the broth into the roux. The liquid will thicken quickly and get gluey, so keep whisking in more broth, a bit at a time, until the gravy is smooth.

Cool it. Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature before serving so it has time to thicken properly.

Dry the bread. For the best stuffing, let the bread dry overnight so it can absorb all the other delicious flavors that make it stuffing; toasting the bread also boosts flavor.

Use the right potato. Russets are your best choice for fluffy mashed potatoes, due to their high starch content. Keeping the skin on adds flavor, texture, and nutrients.