Roast Turkey with Stuffing is a classic dish, especially during the Christmas season. It combines lean protein from turkey with flavorful vegetables and herbs, making it a healthy and festive choice for holiday meals. This recipe is perfect for both cozy dinners and large gatherings, offering a delicious balance of flavors to celebrate a Merry Christmas or a New Year’s feast.
The Roast Turkey with Stuffing provides essential vitamins and minerals. Turkey is a great source of vitamin B6, which supports brain function and energy levels. Carrots and celery in the stuffing are rich in vitamin A, promoting eye health, and vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, turkey contains selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports overall well-being.
This dish is not only festive but also a nutritious choice for the winter holiday season. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal during Christmas or while celebrating with Secret Santa. Whether you’re gathering around the table or sending minted Christmas cards, Roast Turkey with Stuffing is the perfect way to mark the new beginning and share the joy of the season.
Ingredients:
1. Whole Turkey (1.8 kg)
- Healthy alternative: You can use a whole chicken (1.5 kg) as a leaner option.
2. Unsalted Butter (100 grams)
- Healthy alternative: Use olive oil (100 grams) or liquid coconut oil as a substitute.
3. Chopped Onion (1 large - approx. 150 grams)
- Healthy alternative: You can substitute with green onions (3-4 stalks).
4. Minced Garlic (4 cloves - approx. 12 grams)
- Healthy alternative: Replace garlic with fresh thyme (1 teaspoon) for a herbal flavor.
5. White Bread Cubes (300 grams)
- Healthy alternative: Use whole wheat bread (300 grams) or gluten-free oat bread.
6. Carrot Cubes (200 grams)
- Healthy alternative: You can replace carrots with chopped zucchini (200 grams) for a lighter option.
7. Celery Cubes (150 grams)
- Healthy alternative: You can substitute celery with chopped parsley (150 grams) or dill for a fresh, herby flavor.
8. Chicken Broth (200 ml)
- Healthy alternative: Use low-sodium vegetable broth (200 ml) to reduce the salt content.
9. Seasonings: Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Healthy alternative: You can replace regular salt with sea salt or reduce the amount and use dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Clean the turkey thoroughly both inside and out using cold water.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Brush the turkey with 50 grams of melted butter (or olive oil) using a food brush. Make sure to coat the skin evenly.
- Season the turkey inside and out with salt, black pepper, and any additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a large skillet, melt 50 grams of butter (or coconut oil) over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion (150 grams) and minced garlic (12 grams) to the pan and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
- Add the carrot (200 grams) and celery (150 grams) and stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes (300 grams) with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth (200 ml) while mixing the stuffing until it holds together but is not overly wet.
- Taste the stuffing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Stuff the Turkey:
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared stuffing, but leave a little room as the stuffing may expand during cooking.
- Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey legs together securely.
4. Roasting the Turkey:
- Place the stuffed turkey on a roasting pan and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, making sure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 75°C (165°F) using a food thermometer.
- After 2 hours, remove the foil and allow the turkey to brown for an additional 30 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy.
5. Serving:
- Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
- Serve the turkey with the stuffing and any additional gravy made from the turkey drippings (you can prepare gravy using the leftover broth from the turkey).
Tips for Adding Extra Flavors:
1. Use Fresh Herbs: To add a unique flavor, place sprigs of thyme or rosemary inside the turkey cavity before roasting.
2. Proper Use of Cooking Tools: Ensure the oven temperature is consistent throughout the cooking process. Use a roasting pan with a rack to allow even heat distribution. A meat thermometer is essential to make sure the turkey is perfectly cooked.
3. Switch Up the Stuffing: You can try adding dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped apples to the stuffing for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
4. Adding Spices Like Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the stuffing can give the dish a warm, comforting, wintery flavor.
This recipe provides a flavorful and festive centerpiece for your holiday meal, with some healthy modifications that ensure you enjoy it guilt-free.
Nutrition Value:
1. Whole Turkey (1.8 kg)
- Calories: 330 kcal per 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and niacin (vitamin B3).
- Minerals: High in selenium, phosphorus, and zinc.
- Nutritional benefit: Whole turkey is a lean source of high-quality protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function, cell repair, and overall health.
2. Unsalted Butter (100 grams)
- Calories: 717 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Fat: 81 g
- Sodium: 11 mg
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K2.
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus.
- Nutritional benefit: Butter is a rich source of saturated fats, which help with energy production and fat-soluble vitamin absorption, though it should be consumed in moderation due to its high cholesterol content.
3. Chopped Onion (1 large - approx. 150 grams)
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate.
- Minerals: Contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
- Nutritional benefit: Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They support immune health and contribute to heart health due to their ability to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
4. Minced Garlic (4 cloves - approx. 12 grams)
- Calories: 18 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and small amounts of other B vitamins.
- Minerals: High in manganese, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Nutritional benefit: Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It helps support heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
5. White Bread Cubes (300 grams)
- Calories: 240 kcal per 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins, particularly folate.
- Minerals: Provides iron, magnesium, and calcium in small quantities.
- Nutritional benefit: White bread is a source of carbohydrates and provides some protein. However, it is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole wheat bread, which makes it less nutrient-dense.
6. Carrot Cubes (200 grams)
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Protein: 1.6 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 69 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin K.
- Minerals: High in potassium and small amounts of calcium and magnesium.
- Nutritional benefit: Carrots are rich in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health and immune function. They also promote skin health and digestion due to their high fiber content.
7. Celery Cubes (150 grams)
- Calories: 24 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin K, and contains small amounts of vitamins A, C, and B6.
- Minerals: Rich in potassium and calcium.
- Nutritional benefit: Celery is low in calories and high in water content, making it excellent for hydration. It's a good source of fiber and antioxidants, promoting heart health, digestion, and reducing inflammation.
8. Chicken Broth (200 ml)
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg (varies depending on the brand)
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A and B vitamins.
- Minerals: High in sodium (if not low-sodium version) and contains calcium and magnesium.
- Nutritional benefit: Chicken broth is low in calories and provides some protein. It helps in hydrating the body and can be soothing for digestion. Using low-sodium versions reduces its sodium content, making it a healthier option for those watching their salt intake.
9. Seasonings: Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Calories: 0 kcal (for the small amount typically used)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: Salt can vary; 1 gram of salt contains 400 mg of sodium.
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Black pepper contains small amounts of vitamin K and some B vitamins.
- Minerals: Black pepper contains manganese, iron, and calcium.
- Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used sparingly to avoid high sodium intake. Black pepper is rich in antioxidants and may help in digestion and reducing inflammation.
Chef Culinary Creationss
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