This recipe for roast turkey with tasty chestnut stuffing is a classic American dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The turkey is savory and moist, while the chestnut stuffing adds a rich and nutty flavor. This recipe takes some time to prepare, but the results are well worth it. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a truly delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (10-12 pound) whole turkey, thawed if frozen
- For the Chestnut Stuffing:
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped chestnuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- 4 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Turkey Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped chestnuts, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the chestnut stuffing, being careful not to pack it too tightly. Place any remaining stuffing in a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover the breast loosely with foil.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil from the breast to allow it to brown.
- While the turkey is resting, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, and cook until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carve the turkey and serve with the chestnut stuffing and gravy.
Interesting Facts
Roast turkey has been a traditional American Thanksgiving dish since the 19th century.
Chestnuts are often associated with the holiday season in many cultures.
The turkey is roasted at a lower temperature to ensure even cooking and to prevent it from drying out.
The flavorful stuffing adds a delicious twist to the traditional roast turkey.