Ingredients:
- Turkey (6-8 pounds): 1
- Tea Rubs: 4 tablespoons (a blend of black tea leaves, sage, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of sugar)
- Butter: 1 cup, softened
- Onion: 2, quartered
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Carrots: 3, peeled and chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- White wine: 1 cup (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, sage, thyme, rosemary, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the tea rubs all over the turkey, inside and out, ensuring every part is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stuff the Turkey: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the turkey.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth and white wine (if using) into the pan. Cover the turkey with a tent of aluminum foil.
- Cook the Turkey: Roast the turkey for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, covered with foil, for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey.
- Serve: Carve the turkey and serve with the pan juices, gravy, and your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the turkey, complementing the traditional flavors of a Christmas roast.
- For a crispier skin, remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
- This Christmas Roast Turkey with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a festive family gathering or holiday feast. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic centerpiece for your table.