In the
spirit of welcoming the New Year 2024, indulge your senses in a culinary
delight with our spectacular dish recipe: "The Sweetest and Easiest RoastedTurkey." Elevate your festive celebrations with the tantalizing aroma
and flavors of a perfectly roasted turkey, prepared with utmost ease.
Join us in discovering the secrets of creating a masterpiece in your own
kitchen as we guide you through the process of making a roasted turkey
that promises to be both delightful and effortless. Explore the essence of this
exceptional dish, bringing warmth and joy to your New Year festivities.
Roasted Turkey with Egyptian Khalta Rice
Turkey is the perfect guest
at the table during seasons, holidays, special occasions, and family gatherings
due to its large amount of meat, thanks to its massive size and delightful,
savory taste that brings joy to all family members and guests, in addition to
its high nutritional value.
There is no doubt that roasted
turkey is one of the most delicious dishes that adorns the table during
festive occasions and happy celebrations. It combines tender and crispy meat
with a rich and wonderful festive flavor. Cooking turkey is no longer as
challenging as many imagine, but rather, it is straightforward if we consider
three essential and simple things:
Firstly: general hygiene, which is crucial when dealing with poultry in
general, especially turkey.
Secondly: dealing with a thick mass of meat that should be well penetrated
with my aromatic seasonings inside, allowing me to achieve the desired taste
that my family and guests will enjoy.
Thirdly: the overall presentation that fills the hearts of my family
members and guests with joy suitable for festive days and celebrations.
These three considerations will be
the excellent guide that leads us to obtaining a delicious and flavorful oven-roastedturkey.
Prepping the Turkey Before Cooking
When it comes to preparing a
delicious and distinctive meal, the oven-roasted turkey takes center
stage, reflecting the unique artistry of cooking and preparation. Before
savoring the delightful taste of the turkey with the flavorful Egyptian Rice
with Khalta, essential steps need to be taken in the pre-cooking phase.
Together, let's explore how to select the right turkey, clean it with care, and
choose a size that suits the needs of both family and guests. Let's embark on
uncovering the secrets of preparing this delicious dish.
Selecting the Turkey and the Appropriate Size:
Choosing fresh turkey with a
healthy appearance and firm, crack-free meat is crucial. Additionally, ensure
the turkey has a pleasant odor and is free from unpleasant smells. Determining
the turkey's weight depends on the number of individuals you plan to feed.
Each person typically needs about 700 grams of turkey before cooking. For
instance, if you have 10 guests, you'll need a 7-kilogram turkey. If buying
from a supermarket, allocate 500 grams per person before trimming, and the
turkey's weight should not be less than 5 kilograms.
Can a Frozen Turkey Be Used Instead
of Fresh?
Yes, a frozen turkey can be
used, but careful attention to detail and high quality is essential. From
personal experiments, every 2.5 kilograms of turkey requires a full 24 hours
for proper thawing inside the refrigerator. It should be placed above a large
bowl or tray to collect the melted water during the thawing process, as thawing
outside the refrigerator or using the microwave or hot water can adversely
affect the meat's quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Turkey:
Given the utmost importance of cleaning
wild birds in general to avoid exposing cleaning basins and kitchen
surfaces to harmful bacteria, some guidelines must be considered. It's worth
noting that the turkey's weight used in this recipe is 10 kilograms.
If the source of purchase is a
reputable supermarket known for selling quality frozen poultry, in this case,
there's no need to clean the turkey. Just thaw it, then pat it dry thoroughly
with kitchen towels. There is no need to worry as the cooking heat is
sufficient to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
However, if the turkey is sourced
from a store specializing in selling fresh birds that are slaughtered and
cleaned on-site, it is highly beneficial to wash the turkey thoroughly inside
and out with cold water, using a soft brush to clean the skin and remove any
debris. Soaking the turkey in a salty acidic solution for a whole day before
cooking can be helpful.
Ingredients for Turkey Soaking
Solution:
1.
An
adequate amount of water to submerge the turkey in a large container.
2. 3/4 cup of coarse salt, considering the turkey's size and the water
quantity.
3. A cup of brown sugar, adjustable based on the turkey's size.
4. Juice of three to four lemons, with the lemon peels added to the
solution.
5. Three tablespoons of vinegar.
6. An appropriate amount of fresh ginger, chopped.
7. A suitable quantity of whole cloves.
8. An adequate amount of coarse black pepper.
9. An appropriate amount of dried bay leaves.
Ensure the turkey is fully immersed
in the soaking solution. This step ensure a clean and well-prepared turkey
for a delightful roasted turkey dish.
Marinating the 10kg Turkey:
Undoubtedly, the marinade and spices
for marinating the oven-roasted turkey, are subject to individual taste,
influenced by the culture of each environment. You have the right to add or
subtract one or more ingredients from the following list according to your
preferences to give the turkey a fantastic and distinctive flavor.
§ 250 grams of softened butter.
§ 10 cloves of minced garlic.
§ Juice and zest of 2 large lemons.
§ 1 cup of orange juice.
§ 2 tablespoons of dried thyme.
§ 2 tablespoons of dried or freshly chopped rosemary.
§ Four dried bay leaves.
§ 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh basil.
§ 1 tablespoon of mixed spices.
§ 1 tablespoon of paprika.
§ 1 tablespoon of salt.
§ 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a large bowl, mix butter with
garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices until you get a homogeneous mixture. Then, rub
the turkey with the marinade inside and out, massaging it onto all sides of theturkey with your hands, ensuring the mixture reaches between the skin and the
meat of the breast and thighs gently. Leave the turkey in the
refrigerator for at least three hours to absorb the flavor, and it's even
better to leave it overnight for the best possible taste.
Stuffing the Turkey for leveling:
In the realm of culinary arts, the
turkey holds a special place, carrying with it a unique heritage of flavors and
traditions. The stuffing of the Turkey is an integral part of this
heritage, where spices and herbs intertwine to impart an exceptional flavor to
the meat and preserve its tenderness after complete cooking. Therefore, the
turkey stuffing requires the following ingredients, according to your
preferences or what is available, before placing it in the oven, with
additional ingredients placed under and around it in the prepared pan for oven
insertion.
•
Cubes
of green apples.
•
Cubes
of oranges.
•
Green
onions.
•
Fresh
balls.
•
Quartered
tomatoes.
•
Quartered
onions.
•
Sliced
carrots.
•
Chopped
celery.
•
Salt.
•
Ground
black pepper.
•
Allspice.
•
Nutmeg.
•
Thyme.
•
Fresh
rosemary.
•
Cloves.
•
Bay
leaves.
•
Garlic.
•
Olive
oil.
•
Two
to three cups of water.
Please adjust the quantities based
on your preferences and availability before introducing it into the oven. Place
the excess stuffing under and around the turkey in the oven-ready container.
Roasting the Turkey Stage:
As we step into the cooking stage,
the turkey embarks on an adventure to transform into a luxurious and delicious
dish. Cooking turkey is an art that combines experience and innovation,
where the aroma of spices mixes with the turkey's fragrance to give us an
irresistible meal. In this stage, we will explore the secret behind achieving
the oven-roasted turkey with its golden color and wonderful flavor, turning
this dish into the center of attention for everyone sitting at the feast table
to enjoy the delightful taste.
Since New Year's celebrations
typically involve large numbers of guests and family gatherings, the recipe is
designed to serve 18 to 20 people, considering the weight of the turkey and the
quantities of the mixtures according to each family's and guest's count.
The following table outlines the
family size, the potential number of guests attending the New Year
celebration, the necessary weight of the turkey to accommodate them, and
the approximate roasting time needed in the oven for grilling.
|
Number
of Individuals |
Sufficient
Weight |
Approximate
Roasting Time |
|
4
– 8 people |
3 - 4 kg |
1.5 - 2.0 hours approximately |
|
8
– 12 people |
4 - 6 kg |
2.0 – 3.0
hours approximately |
|
12
– 16 people |
6 – 8 kg |
3.0 - 4.0 hours approximately |
|
16
– 20 people |
8 - 10 kg |
4.0 – 5.0 hours approximately |
|
20
– 24 people |
10 - 12
kg |
5.0 – 6.0 hours approximately |
On average, every 1 kg of turkey
requires approximately half an hour for roasting.
Cooking the Turkey:
After stuffing the turkey's cavity
and placing the rest in a roasting pan or tray, sprinkle a little salt and
ground black pepper on top. Put it in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius
for 20 minutes without a cover.
Remove it from the oven and cover it
with a cooking oil-soaked paper, then tightly wrap the turkey and the sides of the
tray with aluminum foil. Place everything in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius
for another 20 minutes. Afterward, reduce the oven temperature to 140 degrees
Celsius for three and a half hours. This completes the turkey's cooking
process.
How can I know if the turkey is
fully cooked?
In reality, there are several ways
to check if the turkey is fully cooked. Here are some of these methods:
Internal Turkey Temperature:
Use a thermometer inserted into the
thickest parts of the turkey, such as the breast or thigh. When the internal
temperature of the meat exceeds 74 degrees Celsius, the turkey is fully cooked.
The safe internal meat temperature for turkey ranges between 74 to 82 degrees
Celsius.
Juices Test:
Use a fork or a sharp knife, insert
it into the meat in various places, and examine the juice that comes out of the
hole. If it is clear and free from any traces of blood color, this indicates
that the turkey is cooked.
Turkey Meat Test:
Cut a small piece of the meat and
make sure it is entirely white, juicy, and not pink or bloody.
Roasting the Turkey Crust:
After ensuring the turkey isfully cooked, to give it the final touch and add more flavors, the
following ingredients are mixed:
Tomato puree - Olive oil - Unsalted
butter - White honey - Ground thyme - Ground rosemary - Ground black pepper -
Ground nutmeg - A pinch of ground cardamom.
Inside a bowl at room temperature,
the mixture is thoroughly blended. Then, using a kitchen brush, generously coat
the surface of the turkey. Return the turkey to the oven at a high temperature
for a short period, not exceeding half an hour, to achieve a golden and
crispy crust. Allow the turkey to rest at room temperature for an
additional 20 minutes to half an hour.
Egyptian Rice with Khalta - Preparation Method and Ingredients:
We will guide you through the steps
of preparing Egyptian Rice with Khalta, providing clear and detailed
instructions. We will also present the ingredients for the rice and the khalta
(mixture) and how to prepare it to complement the roasted turkey during
serving.
What is Egyptian Rice with Khalta?
Egyptian Rice with Khalta is a famous Middle Eastern dish well-known in Egypt and Arab
countries. It consists of rice cooked with water, salt, oil, and spices. It
is served with a mixture of liver and kidneys or bird liver and fried gizzards
with onions, garlic, green peppers, and, optionally, nuts and raisins.
To prepare Egyptian Rice with
Khalta, you will need the following ingredients:
1) 1 kg of Egyptian white rice
2) 8 cups of hot boiling water, preferably any available broth
3) 2 tablespoons of sugar
4) 2 teaspoons of salt
5) 2 tablespoons of ghee
6) 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
7) 1 large onion, finely chopped
8) 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
9) 1 teaspoon of turmeric
10)
1
teaspoon of cinnamon
11)
1
teaspoon of cumin
12)
1
tablespoon of paprika
13)
1
teaspoon of black pepper
14)
4
bay leaves
Cooking Egyptian Rice with Khalta:
≈ Caramelizing the Onions:
─
Heat
a small saucepan with some oil on medium heat.
─
Add
chopped onions and stir until they a light brown color.
─
Add
garlic, stir briefly, then set aside.
≈ Caramelizing Sugar:
─
Heat
a medium pot, add sugar, and stir until it turns brown.
─
There
is no need to worry about the golden-brown color, as this is what we need.
≈ Preparing the rice broth:
─
Add
the caramelized onions to the pot with the browned sugar.
─
Quickly
stir and add salt, black pepper, and aromatic spices.
─
Pour
in hot water or broth (equal to the rice amount).
─
Cover
it and leave it to boil over low heat.
≈ Preparing the Rice:
─
Wash
the rice thoroughly, strain, and set aside.
─
In a
separate pot, add butter and oil over medium heat.
─
Once
the butter melts, add the rice and stir for about 5 minutes until you are sure
it is very hot.
─
It
doesn't have to be golden brown because it will get its color from the caramel
and browned onions.
─
Add
the hot water or broth prepared with the spice mixture, caramel, and onions to
the rice.
─
Cover
and let it cook on very low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Do not uncover or stir the rice
until this time has passed.
To Prepare the Khalta, You'll Need:
1. 500g of mixed liver (beef liver and bird liver), gizzards.
2. 2 tbsp olive oil
3. Sliced hot green pepper
4. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
5. 1 tsp turmeric
6. 1 tsp cinnamon
7. 1 tsp cumin
8. 1 tbsp paprika
9. 1 tsp black pepper
10.
1
tbsp salt
11.
1
tbsp vinegar
12.
100g
raisins
13.
A
mix of roasted, unsalted nuts (1/2 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup chopped almonds,
hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios).
Preparing the Delicious Khalta for Egyptian Rice:
1. Soaking Raisins:
─
While
the rice is on low heat, soak the raisins in a bowl with boiling water.
─
Strain
them after they plump up, cover, and set aside.
2. Toasting Nuts:
─
In a
suitable pan over low heat, melt a tablespoon of butter.
─
Add
almonds, pine nuts, and other nuts with half a teaspoon of cinnamon.
─
Stir
until the color turns golden, then set aside. (Be cautious not to burn them.)
3. Sautéing the bird and turkey Livers and
Gizzards:
─
Prepare
bird liver, gizzards, and turkey liver along with its gizzards.
─
In a
properly sized pan, add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat.
─
Add
minced garlic, stir until fragrant, then add vinegar.
─
While
the vinegar evaporates, add gizzards with continuous stirring for 5 minutes.
─
Add
bird liver, turkey liver, and sliced green pepper.
─
Season
with salt, pepper, and the remaining spice mixture. Stir until thoroughly
cooked.
Check the rice with a fork after 30
minutes to ensure it's cooked.
Presentation Stage of Roasted Turkey:
1)
Presented Whole over rice garnished with Khalta:
In a moment filled with happiness,
both for your family members and guests, the roasting of the turkey, which is
presented on the feast table, crowns the culinary experience. It gleams with
its sunny golden colors and exudes a delightful fragrance. The dish is
showcased on a magnificent serving platter adorned with the delicious Egyptian Rice with Khalta of liver and gizzards, where a splendid blend of enchanting nuts
is scattered on top. This reflects the depth of traditions and the refined
Egyptian taste. As it is presented, the artistic of work completes with
highlighting its beauty and allure.
2)
Presented as Slices over rice garnished with Khalta:
On the edges of the serving platter,
turkey slices harmonize seamlessly with the delicious Egyptian Rice with Khalta,
expertly cooked to perfection, guiding us into the secrets of traditional
Egyptian taste. The flavors of spices blend uniquely with herbs, and on top,
the liver and gizzards, laden with chains of golden Nuts, are scattered,
completing the magnificence of the dish with a touch of luxury. It's a unique
moment that brings together authenticity and creativity on the hospitality
table, where art and cooking intertwine to create an unforgettable experience
for every food enthusiast.
I hope you all make sure that
bringing joy to your families and guests is quite easy, and they deserve to be
served the oven-roasted turkey with the Egyptian rice mixture.
"Bon appétit and good health!"
Conclusion:
In this
article, we've learned how to prepare an exceptional dish: the finest and
easiest roasted turkey for the New Year 2024. It turns out it's not as
challenging or complicated as some might think. All we need is a fresh turkey
and a few simple ingredients, an oven, and effective time management before the
joyful occasion arrives. By following these easy steps, we'll achieve a
mouthwatering roasted turkey that delights our loved ones. I hope you try this
recipe and enjoy it during New Year's Eve, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Don't forget to share your thoughts and comments. Thank you for reading this
article, and I wish you a happy and blessed New Year.