Turkey Recipe

Turkey is traditionally a dish consumed on special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially in countries like the United States and Canada. However, eating turkey on New Year’s Eve has also become a popular tradition, particularly in Western countries.

There could be several reasons for this:

1. Uniqueness and Special Meal: New Year’s Eve is considered a special day celebrated in many cultures. Therefore, a unique and special dish like turkey can be part of this special occasion.
2. Suitability for Large Groups: Turkey is suitable for feeding large groups. Since New Year’s Eve is often celebrated among family and friends, turkey is ideal for providing enough food for a large gathering.
3. Traditional Consumption: Turkey has a long-standing tradition as a Christmas or New Year’s dish in some cultures. As a result, with the continuation of these traditions, turkey has become an integral part of New Year’s Eve feasts.
4. Delicious and Impressive Dish: When prepared correctly, turkey is a delicious and impressive dish. Therefore, it is a preferred option for decorating the tables on New Year’s Eve, which is a special day.
5. Diversifying New Year’s Menus: New Year’s Eve tables typically aim to include a variety of dishes. Turkey serves as an ideal option to provide this variety.

In conclusion, turkey has become a frequently chosen dish on New Year’s Eve because it offers both a traditional taste and is suitable for feeding large groups.

Ingredients:

• 1 large turkey
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• For the stuffing:
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
  • Salt, pepper, oregano (optional)
• 2 apples or oranges (optional, for stuffing the turkey)
• 2 onions
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc., optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Clean the inside of the turkey and wash it. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Soak the breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs in milk. Add chopped dried fruits, nuts, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using) to prepare the stuffing.
4. Fill the inside of the turkey with this stuffing mixture. If you’re using apples or oranges, you can place them inside as well.
5. Brush the skin of the turkey with butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (optional).
6. Pour chicken broth or water into the roasting pan. Add chopped onions, garlic cloves, lemon slices, and fresh herbs.
7. Place the turkey in the roasting pan. Cover with aluminum foil.
8. Place it in the oven and cook for about 3-3.5 hours. Every half hour, open the oven and baste the turkey with its own juices to keep it moist.
9. In the last half hour, remove the aluminum foil and let the turkey brown on top.
10. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
11. Slice and serve. You can serve it with vegetables or sauces on the side.

Enjoy your meal!