If you haven't tried something a little with your roast turkey, let the 2023 holiday season be the time you do.
Outside of a sprig of rosemary or thyme, it's rare that fragrant, fresh herbs are associated with a turkey dinner. This is where this recipe comes in with simple, but effective twist to boosting the flavour of your Canadian turkey.
Created by Ashley Fher, the recipe for lemon-dill spatchcocked turkey finds a lovely level of brightness and acidity thanks to lemon zest and fresh dill worked under the skin of the bird. If you're not a fan of dill, try using finely sliced basil, chives, or even mint for a similar result.
We'd strongly suggest following his instruction of a minimum brine time of 12 hours as your turkey will taste exponentially more delicious than if you don't. (Don't say we didn't warn you!)
Lemon dill spatchcocked roast turkey
1 8-10 lb whole turkey, spatchcocked
¼ cup kosher salt
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup melted butter
1 cup water
Place turkey in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
In a medium bowl, combine salt, dill, sugar, lemon zest, garlic and pepper. Rub all over turkey and under the skin where possible, using a large spoon to loosen the skin if necessary.
Place uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days. It will dry out but that is normal.
Remove turkey from the fridge 1 hour before roasting.
Place turkey on a large-rimmed baking sheet on a roasting rack.
Brush melted butter over turkey and pour water into the bottom of the baking dish.
Heat oven to 425°F.
Roast turkey at 425°F for 20 minutes, until just starting to brown.
Reduce oven heat to 350°F and continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast, about 1 hour more.
Remove turkey from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
- Yield:
- 1 delicious roast turkey
- Prep Time:
- 15 minutes plus a minimum of 12 hours brine time
- Cook Time:
- 90 minutes
