Perfect Christmas Turkey: Learn the best recipes and techniques

With these tips you will learn how to prepare the best turkey for your dinner.

In the mid-19th century, the swan was the star attraction at Christmas dinners in England. At that time, European society was still exploring the particularities of the Americas and the Indies. Many discoveries have been made: new ingredients, minerals and, above all, new species.

In 1518, at the beginning of contacts between peoples native to Mexico and the Spanish, Hernando Cortés learned of the turkey as a bird for consumption. The animal, displayed in the market of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, was brought to the Spanish court.

The introduction and establishment of the turkey as the main dish of the celebrations of the birth of Christ in Europe and the Americas, including Brazil, transformed the ritual of the Christmas dinner into a dinner. Abundance came to be understood as a symbolic expression of success in the face of the obstacles of daily life.

And so we continue today, five centuries later, with the turkey the protagonist of Christmas meals. But, despite having stolen the starring role from the swan, preparing the turkey still requires experience and a lot of care.

Delicious, economical, healthy and creative Christmas and New Year’s dinners!

Do you want to know how to prepare the perfect turkey for Christmas, leaving the meat juicy and tender? Discover the interview with chef Marcelo Vaz, of Brodo Restaurante, who knows everything about Christmas preparations.

How do you choose the turkey to roast at Christmas?

“To purchase the turkey you need to take into account the number of people present at dinner, as at the market you can find birds of various weights and sizes. Here at the restaurant we offer a turkey weighing around 5 kg, which on average serves 10 people. to 12 people”, explains Marcelo.

“My preference is for frozen, cured turkey because it’s ready to roast. However, as a cook, I prefer to give it a special touch before putting it in the oven.”

How to defrost turkey safely and effectively?

“Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator at least 48 hours before preparation, preferably in the lowest part, where the temperature is a little higher. Pay attention to the size of the bird, as the larger the piece, the longer it will take to defrost.

How to season and marinate turkey before roasting?

“Even when the turkey is already cured, I like to let it marinate for 24 hours with water, beer or dry white wine with herbs. This process serves to enhance the flavor, as well as making the meat more tender and juicy. Also, when I roast it, I butter the inside and outside of the bird.”

Here is the secret to a successful marinade, according to Marcelo Vaz: water, beer, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, parsley, orange zest, ginger, onion, garlic and a little coarse salt. And she remembers, the marinade has to cover the bird.

How do you make sure the turkey is juicy on the inside and golden brown on the outside?

“To ensure juiciness and uniform cooking, place the bird in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil for 60 minutes at a temperature of 160°C. After removing the foil, finish cooking the bird in the oven at 180°C, until it is golden brown”.

Do you usually stuff the turkey?

Yes, with sweet and sour farofa. Click here and find out how to prepare this filling.

What are the most common problems when roasting turkey? How to avoid them?

Let’s look at the list of possible errors and some solutions:

• The bird is not completely thawed.
• Cook well beyond the time suggested on the package, running the risk of it drying out.
• Carve the bird well before serving.
• Pay attention to the oven temperature.
• Use a piece of foil to cover the ends of the thighs and wings, where the bone part is located. Tie the two thighs and the two wings with a piece of string so that they are well attached to the rest of the body. This will prevent the turkey from touching the sides of the pan.

What side dishes do you suggest pairing with the turkey?

“Creativity has no limits. Here at Brodo, in 2021, we will serve turkey with roasted peach and apricot. In 2022, baked potato balls with olive oil, Sicilian lemon, rosemary and grilled pineapple with cachaça and honey. This year, the turkey will be served with peach and honey caramelized red onion.”

What advice would you give to someone making turkey for the first time?

“If you’re not sure, follow the instructions on the turkey package. Now, if you want to innovate and surprise your guests, follow the steps in this article.”

You heard the chef, right? Want to look good this Christmas? Follow these tips and make the most of this Christmas classic.

Service: Rua Comendador Miguel Calfat, 289 – Itaim Bibi – SP | Information: (11) 2892-2002 | Requests: Brodo@brodo.com.br | https://brodoristoranti.goomer.app/menu

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.