Herb-Brined Turkey With Pear Gravy Recipe

Name: Herb-Brined Turkey With Pear Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 gallons water; 1 3-pound box coarse kosher salt; 1/2 cup whole black peppercorns; 1/3 cup fresh thyme sprigs; 1/3 cup fresh marjoram sprigs; 1/3 cup fresh sage sprigs; 12 Turkish bay leaves; 1 13-pound turkey; 1/2 cup butter, room temperature pear gravy; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 2 cups low-salt chicken broth; 1 cup pear juice; 2 tablespoons dark rum; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram

Servings: persons

3 gallons water
1 3-pound box coarse kosher salt
1/2 cup whole black peppercorns
1/3 cup fresh thyme sprigs
1/3 cup fresh marjoram sprigs
1/3 cup fresh sage sprigs
12 Turkish bay leaves
1 13-pound turkey
1/2 cup butter, room temperature pear gravy
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 cup pear juice
2 tablespoons dark rum
3 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram

1
Stir 3 gallons water and salt in large pot until salt dissolves. Stir in peppercorns and next 4 ingredients. Add turkey to brine. Place large plate atop turkey to submerge. Place in refrigerator. Soak turkey 8 to 10 hours. Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store uncovered in refrigerator.)
2
Preheat oven to 450u00b0F. Place turkey on rack in large roasting pan. Rub butter over turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place turkey in oven. Reduce temperature to 325u00b0F. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175u00b0F, about 2 1/2 hours. Transfer turkey to platter; tent with foil. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before carving (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
3
Spoon off fat from drippings in pan, reserving 1/4 cup fat. Measure 2/3 cup pan juices. Melt butter and reserved 1/4 cup fat in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in flour. Stir until light brown, about 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth, pear juice, and 2/3 cup pan juices. Simmer until thickened, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Stir in rum. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle turkey with marjoram; serve with gravy.
4
No room in the fridge to brine a turkey? No problem. Put a turkey-sized oven bag in a large cooler, then place the turkey in the bag. Pour in the brine and seal tightly. Place ice over and around turkey, close the lid tightly, and let it brine 8 to 10 hours, adding ice periodically to keep temperature at 40u00b0 or below.

635

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 gallons water, 1 3-pound box coarse kosher salt, 1/2 cup whole black peppercorns, 1/3 cup fresh thyme sprigs, and more.

Yes, Herb-Brined Turkey With Pear Gravy falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Herb-Brined Turkey With Pear Gravy

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions