Roast Turkey with Candied Lemon Recipe

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (about 12-15 pounds)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 lemons, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Remove any giblets or neck from inside the turkey and discard. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well.
Brush the turkey generously with the butter mixture, making sure to cover all parts of the turkey.
Stuff the turkey cavity with the sliced lemons.
Tent the turkey with aluminum foil, making sure to seal it tightly around the edges of the roasting pan.
Roast the turkey for about 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured in the thickest part of the thigh with a meat thermometer. Remove the tent during the last hour of roasting to allow the skin to became crispy and brown.
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Serving Suggestions

This roast turkey with candied lemon pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans. It is also great served with cranberry sauce and a simple gravy made from the pan drippings.

Verdict

This roast turkey with candied lemon is a show-stopper both in presentation and in flavor. The candied lemon adds a sweet tangy flavor that complements the savory flavors of the turkey and the spices perfectly. The meat turns out juicy and tender and the skin becomes crispy and delicious. A perfect main course option for a festive occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas!