Simple Tips to Roast the Perfect Turkey from a Turkey Expert
If you think about Thanksgiving, the picture of a golden roast turkey probably comes to mind. It’s the centerpiece of the holiday meal, but cooking it can feel overwhelming.
Parade spoke with Heidi Diestel, a fourth-generation farmer from Diestel Family Ranch in California, for easy tips to make roasting a turkey stress-free and delicious.
1. Don’t Stress—Start with a Good Turkey
Heidi says most of the anxiety about roasting a turkey comes from inexperience, but buying a high-quality bird makes the process much easier. A fresh, well-raised turkey, like Diestel’s birds, already has great flavor, so it’s hard to mess up.
2. Plan Ahead and Thaw Properly
Many turkeys are kept super cold—colder than your home fridge. Heidi advises allowing one day of thawing in the fridge for every four pounds of turkey. Make sure it’s fully thawed before roasting so it cooks evenly.
3. Keep Seasoning Simple
Instead of fancy marinades or brines, Heidi’s family uses a simple mix of salt, paprika, and olive oil. This adds flavor, gives the skin a beautiful color, and keeps the process stress-free.
4. Stuffing Inside Adds Flavor
Heidi is a fan of stuffing the turkey, as the juices from the bird give the stuffing an unbeatable taste.
5. Cook Slowly at 325°F
Her family prefers to roast the turkey at a steady, low temperature for even cooking and tender results.
6. Use a Thermometer
Check the turkey’s internal temperature to make sure it’s done but not overcooked. The target is 165°F for both the turkey and the stuffing inside.
7. Skip Basting, Build Gravy Instead
Basting isn’t necessary, but halfway through cooking, add a splash of white wine to the pan. This helps create flavorful drippings for gravy.
8. Let the Turkey Rest
After the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 30 minutes under foil. This allows the juices to stay locked in, making the meat juicier.
Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be stressful. Heidi’s advice is to keep it simple, focus on family, and enjoy the process.
For more helpful holiday tips, Parade delivers great ideas to make your Thanksgiving meal a success.
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/food/how-to-roast-turkey-according-to-turkey-farmer?utm_source=pushly