Name: Herb-Roasted Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 275 min
Ingredients: 1 18 lb. raw whole turkey; 1½ tsp sea salt, (or Himalayan salt); 2 Tbsp coarsely ground black pepper; 1½ tsp dried thyme leaves; 1½ tsp dried ground sage; 1½ tsp dried oregano leaves; 1½ tsp dried basil leaves; 6 cups low-sodium organic chicken (or turkey) broth, divided use; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 18 fresh marjoram sprigs, leaves removed and finely chopped, stems discarded; 18 fresh parsley sprigs, finely chopped; 2 medium onions, cut into ¼-inch slices; 2 medium carrots, cut into ¼-inch slices; 2 medium celery stalks, cut into ¼-inch slices; 2 medium leeks, cut into ¼-inch slices; 1 garlic head, halved crosswise; cooking string/twine

Turkey is the main event of Thanksgiving dinner, so it’s definitely not something anyone wants to leave to chance.

If you’ve been put in charge of the bird this year, then follow along with this recipe to make a flawless (and healthy) turkey.

Get more tips for roasting turkey here, and learn how to carve it like a pro here.

5 from 1 vote

Herb-Roasted Turkey

If you've been put in charge of the bird this year, then follow along with this recipe to make a flawless (and healthy) turkey.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 4 hrs

Total Time 4 hrs 35 mins

Servings 24 Servings, 4 oz each

Calories 219 kcal

Ingredients

1 18 lb. raw whole turkey
1½ tsp sea salt, (or Himalayan salt)
2 Tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
1½ tsp dried thyme leaves
1½ tsp dried ground sage
1½ tsp dried oregano leaves
1½ tsp dried basil leaves
6 cups low-sodium organic chicken (or turkey) broth, divided use
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
18 fresh marjoram sprigs, leaves removed and finely chopped, stems discarded
18 fresh parsley sprigs, finely chopped
2 medium onions, cut into ¼-inch slices
2 medium carrots, cut into ¼-inch slices
2 medium celery stalks, cut into ¼-inch slices
2 medium leeks, cut into ¼-inch slices
1 garlic head, halved crosswise
cooking string/twine

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450° F. Place rack in lowest position in oven.
Remove turkey neck and giblets from inside turkey; rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Combine salt, pepper, thyme, sage, oregano, and basil in a small bowl; mix well.
Slide your hand under the skin of the turkey breast to loosen. Rub the pepper mixture inside turkey cavity, under skin, and on skin.
Pour ¼ cup broth into turkey cavity.
Combine ¾ cup broth and chopped garlic in a small bowl; pour over turkey.
Combine marjoram, parsley, onions, carrots, celery, and leeks in a large bowl; mix well. Place in turkey cavity with garlic head.
Tie turkey legs together with cooking string. Place turkey breast side up on cooking rack set in a large, heavy roasting pan. Pour 2 cups broth into bottom of roasting pan. Tent aluminum foil over turkey and sides of the pan. Bake for 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to 325° F. Bake for an additional 3 to 3½ hours, basting with remaining 3 cups broth and pan juices every 20 minutes. Remove aluminum foil after 2½ hours. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 180° F, and juices run clear.
Let turkey sit for 20 minutes before carving. Discard skin and vegetables before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Herb-Roasted Turkey

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 219 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 83mg28%

Sodium 379mg16%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 35g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Portion Fix Containers
1 Red

2B Mindset Plate It!
A great protein as part of lunch or dinner.

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Photos by Kirsten Morningstar