Turkey with Pomegranate Glaze
Yield: Makes about 17 servings
Special Equipment
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife for slicing vegetables
- Cutting board & carving board
- Nonstick roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing spoon
- Baster
- Serving platter
- Large stock pot
- Kitchen twine
- Medium saucepan
- Electric knife
Brine and Turkey
Ingredients:
- 6 quarts water
- 1 1/2 cups kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coriander seeds
- One piece fresh ginger, about 2 inches long, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 gallon ice cubes
- One whole turkey, 16 to 18 pounds, giblets discarded
- 2 celery stalks, cut into quarters
- 1 lemon, cut into quarters
- 1 onion, cut into quarters
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley
Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Brine the Turkey: In a large stockpot, combine water, 1 1/2 cups kosher salt, brown sugar, coriander seeds, ginger, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Pour over ice in a bucket to cool. Submerge turkey, weigh it down if needed, cover, and refrigerate 8-12 hours.
- Prepare to Roast: Preheat oven to 450F with rack in lowest position. Remove turkey from brine, pat dry, and discard brine. Tuck wings under, season inside and out with salt, stuff cavity with celery, lemon, onion, and parsley. Tie legs with twine. Place breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast 30 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, simmer pomegranate molasses, 3 tablespoons water, and Aleppo pepper until syrupy (5-10 minutes). Stir in butter and soy sauce; remove from heat.
- Finish Roasting: Flip turkey breast-side up, reduce oven to 325F. Roast about 3 hours until thigh reaches 160F (not touching bone). Baste with glaze every 5-10 minutes starting at 155F. Rest 15 minutes before carving.
Transform your holiday table with this showstopping Turkey with Pomegranate Glazea juicy, brined bird glazed to glossy perfection with tangy molasses and spicy Aleppo pepper. The irresistible sweet-savory shine will have everyone reaching for seconds!
