We are happy to announce that Bev Jones has won our November "Cook the Cover" contest with her delicious variation on our Miso-Rubbed Turkey with Turkey Gravy.
Bev Jones explains her variation:
This will be the juiciest and most flavorful turkey ever! I wanted to give my larger 19-lb turkey a little extra zip by adding rosemary and other herbs to the miso butter. I used all of the butter under the skin, since my turkey was bigger and no basting is required. After rubbing the butter under the skin, I placed red bell pepper rings with a lemon slice in the center of each under the skin for extra flavor and a nice presentation. I also cook all of my turkeys in those clear oven roasting bags you find in the grocery store. I have never been disappointed — no basting, juicy, flavorful, nicely browned, and it cuts the cooking time way down! You don't need as much turkey stock because there is so much juice from the turkey. I like cornstarch for thickening because I like a more clear-looking gravy. This turkey turned out to be spectacular and a real hit with all the family.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 15 to 20 servings
Ingredients
Special Equipment
Preparation
Step 1
Pulse about 1/4 of onion rings, plus rosemary and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add black pepper, poultry seasoning, and miso paste and purée until smooth. Add butter and purée — mixture will appear curdled.
Step 2
Put oven rack in lowest position and preheat to 350°F. Rinse turkey inside and out, then pat dry. Working from large cavity end, gently run fingers between skin and meat of breast to loosen skin, being careful not to tear skin. Push miso butter under skin, including thighs and drumsticks, and massage from outside to spread evenly. Place a lemon slice inside of a pepper ring and slide under skin, positioning evenly over breast and drumsticks. Repeat with remaining pepper and lemon slices until a pleasing pattern results. Sprinkle cavity with seasoned salt. Stuff cavity with lemon and orange quarters, squeezing juice into cavity as you go, and fold neck skin and flap into the cavity. Tie drumsticks together with kitchen string and tuck wings under body.
Step 3
Rub turkey with 2 tablespoons of oil. Shake 1 tablespoon flour in oven roasting bag, layer bottom of bag with onion and celery slices, and place bag into roasting pan. Place turkey on top of onions and celery in bag and close bag with tie included in the box. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in top of bag, as directed. Roast according to package directions, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until timer pops out. Remove from oven and let sit in the bag for 30 minutes. Remove turkey from bag.
Step 4
Strain pan juices into a 3-quart saucepan and skim off excess fat, if desired. Add 4 cups turkey stock to pan juices and bring to a boil. While stock is reaching boil, whisk together water and cornstarch. Slowly pour cornstarch mixture into boiling stock, whisking continuously. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until gravy is thickened and clear. Stir in any turkey juices accumulated on platter and season gravy with salt and pepper.
