¿How to prepare turkey for this Christmas? Recipe and instructions for the famous dish

¡We’re in the countdown to Christmas! Beyond the gifts, this time of year is a special opportunity to enjoy moments with your loved ones, reminisce about happy memories, and create new ones that will be etched in everyone’s minds. Usually, the celebration begins with Christmas Eve, where dinner takes center stage, and turkey is often the main dish. If you’re a fan of this dish and want to surprise your family but don’t know where to start, here we show you how to prepare it step by step. Additionally, we offer some easy-to-make side dishes that will delight everyone.

Christmas is one of the most significant holidays worldwide, embodying values such as love, unity, and hope. It’s a special time to reflect on what truly matters in our lives: our loved ones. It’s also an opportunity to express gratitude and strengthen family bonds. This celebration reminds us of the importance of sharing quality time, leaving behind daily worries. Furthermore, Christmas is a time to show generosity and appreciate everything we have.

The act of sharing during this season is essential as it promotes solidarity and strengthens human connections. This spirit of generosity is not limited only to material gifts but also includes sharing time, attention, and affection. By doing so, we not only enrich the lives of those around us but also grow as individuals. Generosity becomes the heart of the festivities, creating a warm and camaraderie-filled environment. In this way, the Christmas spirit transcends through sharing, turning the celebration into a collective act of love.

In many cultures, turkey has become one of the most iconic dishes for Christmas dinner, especially at family gatherings. This tradition has historical roots, as turkey, due to its large size, is ideal for sharing among many people. Its juicy and flavorful meat makes it a perfect choice for a special meal. Moreover, its ability to feed many makes it a symbol of abundance and family unity, reinforcing the spirit of Christmas.

Turkey not only stands out for its flavor but also for the symbolism it has acquired over time. In many traditions, it is associated with luxury and festivity, making it perfect for celebrations. Additionally, its versatility allows for a wide variety of sauces and side dishes that enhance its flavor. Thus, turkey becomes the centerpiece of the Christmas table, bringing families together around the meal. Beyond being a delicious dish, it is a symbol of prosperity and celebration.

Recipe for preparing turkey for Christmas

Next, we will explain step by step how to prepare a delicious turkey for the night of December 24th, as we eagerly await the arrival of Christmas. We will use simple ingredients and a practical method to ensure the result is a perfect turkey. Don’t worry! The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it ideal for you to shine at the Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (approximately 4-5 kg, depending on the number of guests)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (optional)

Preparing the Turkey:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Prepare the Turkey: Clean the turkey inside and out. Remove the giblets and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Season the Turkey: In a bowl, mix the melted butter with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and orange juice (if using). Rub this mixture all over the turkey, ensuring it covers both the exterior and the inside cavity.
• Stuff the Turkey (optional): Inside the cavity, place the onions, carrots, celery, sprigs of rosemary and thyme, bay leaf, and lemon slices.
• Tie the Turkey (optional): Tie the turkey’s legs with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the body to keep its shape.

Cooking:

• Place in the Oven: Put the turkey in a roasting pan. If you have a rack, place the turkey on it so it cooks more evenly. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the bottom of the pan.
• Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey in the oven for about 2.5 hours (or 13 minutes per 500g of turkey). Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with the juices in the pan to keep the meat moist. If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Check for Doneness: To check if it’s cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey’s thigh. The temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when you pierce the meat.
• Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute.

Serving:

• Serve: Serve the turkey with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, salads, bread, or sauces.

Side Dishes for Turkey

Here are some side dish ideas to complement your Christmas turkey:

1. Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. You can make them with butter, cream, and seasoning for a rich and smooth texture.

2. Roasted Vegetables

• A mix of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.

3. Stuffing

• A savory stuffing made with bread, onions, celery, and herbs, often enriched with turkey drippings. You can also add sausage, cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor.

4. Cranberry Sauce

• A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey, with a burst of color on the plate.

5. Gravy

• A smooth turkey gravy made from the turkey drippings is the perfect finishing touch. You can thicken it with flour or cornstarch and add a bit of broth for flavor.

6. Green Beans Almondine

• Green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and almonds for a crunchy, flavorful side that balances the richness of the turkey.

7. Dinner Rolls

• Soft, warm dinner rolls or bread are always a hit on the dinner table, perfect for soaking up gravy and sauces.

8. Sweet Potato Casserole

• A sweet and savory casserole made with mashed sweet potatoes, topped with marshmallows or a crunchy pecan topping.

9. Cauliflower Gratin

• A cheesy, baked cauliflower dish with a creamy sauce, a delicious and lighter alternative to mashed potatoes.

10. Salad

• A fresh salad with greens, nuts, cheese (like goat cheese or feta), and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the hearty turkey and sides.