3-4chipotle peppers en adobo (from a can; seed for less heat)
1tablespoonground cumin
2tablespoonssunflower oil
4tablespoonscanola oil
1 1/2 to 2cupschicken or turkey stock, for bastingoptional
1cup salt
1cupbrown sugar
2lemons, quartered
6sprigs, thyme
4sprigs rosemary
2tablespoonsjuniper berries
1/2cupwhite wine
3tablespoonsbutter
1/4cupall-purpose flour
1-2chiptoles en adobo (from can), to taste, minced
3-4cupsturkey or chicken broth
Instructions
To make brine solution, dissolve salt and sugar in 2 gallons of cold water in a nonreactive container, such as a clean bucket or large stockpot, or a clean, heavy-duty, plastic garbage bag. Add lemons, thyme, rosemary, and juniper. (Double the recipe if using a larger bird.)
Rinse turkey inside and out under cold running water. Soak turkey in brine, covered and refrigerated, for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
In a food processor, combine lemon zest, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, and sunflower oil. Process into a paste.
Remove turkey from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Preheat oven to 325°. Remove turkey from brine and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry. Place in a large, heavy roasting pan, and rub on all sides with canola oil. Roast turkey for 1 hour. Remove from oven and baste with pan juices or stock.
Gently loosen turkey breast skin with hands. Rub lemon-chipotle mixture under and over turkey skin. Return turkey to oven and continue roasting until an instant-read meat thermometer registers 165° when inserted into the largest section of thigh (avoiding the bone), about 2 3/4–3 hours total cooking time. Check to see if breast is browning too quickly; cover with aluminum foil if needed. Baste turkey once every hour with pan juices or stock if desired.
Remove from the oven and place on a platter. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
While turkey is resting, make gravy: Pour juices from pan into a measuring cup and deglaze pan with wine. In a small pan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and chipotle; cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in 3 cups stock for about 1 minute. Skim fat from measuring cup, add white wine mixture, and add to pot. Stir until smooth and starting to thicken. Add more stock if needed.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Brined Heritage Turkey with Chipotle Gravy
Amount Per Serving
Calories 575Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 272mg91%
Sodium 582mg24%
Total Carbohydrates 2g1%
Protein 107g214%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.