Turkey Marbella, inspired by Molly Baz, is your new holiday centerpiece! Learn how to make this flavorful, briny, and unforgettable dish. Get the recipe and tips!
Turkey Marbella, inspired by the culinary queen Molly Baz, is about to become your new holiday tradition! This isn’t your average dry turkey. We’re talking a bird bursting with flavor, thanks to a briny, olive-and-raisin-packed marinade. Think of it as a delicious twist on chicken Marbella, but supersized for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
What Makes Turkey Marbella So Special?
It’s all about the marinade! This flavorful concoction does wonders for the turkey, keeping it moist and infusing it with a tangy, sweet, and savory taste that’s simply irresistible. Forget bland turkey – this is a flavor explosion!
Key Ingredients:
* Turkey: Obviously! A 12-14 pound turkey is ideal.
* Olive Oil: Forms the base of the marinade, carrying all those delicious flavors.
* Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a crucial tanginess that balances the sweetness.
* Prunes & Raisins: These dried fruits plump up during cooking, adding sweetness and a delightful chewiness.
* Olives: The salty, briny olives are the counterpoint to the sweetness, creating a perfect harmony. Use Castelvetrano or another flavorful green olive.
* Capers: Adds a burst of salty, tangy flavor.
* Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic!
* Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that complements the other flavors beautifully.
* Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
* Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
* White Wine: Contributes to the marinade’s complexity and helps keep the turkey moist.
Making Turkey Marbella: Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Turkey: Thaw your turkey completely. Remove the giblets and any excess fat. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, prunes, raisins, olives, capers, garlic, oregano, brown sugar, bay leaves, and white wine.
3. Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag. Pour the marinade over the turkey, making sure it’s coated evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours, turning the turkey occasionally.
4. Roast the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the turkey from the marinade and place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Reserve the marinade.
5. Baste, Baste, Baste!: Baste the turkey with the reserved marinade every 30-45 minutes during roasting. This is key to keeping the turkey moist and flavorful.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest: Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips for Turkey Marbella Success:
* Don’t skip the marinating! This is where the magic happens. The longer the turkey marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
* Basting is your friend. Keep that turkey moist and delicious by basting it regularly with the reserved marinade.
* Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection.
* Let it rest! Resist the urge to carve the turkey immediately. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
* Consider spatchcocking: Spatchcocking (removing the backbone) allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly.
Serving Suggestions:
Turkey Marbella is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
* Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes)
* Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
* Stuffing or dressing
* Cranberry sauce
* A simple green salad
FAQ
* Can I use a smaller turkey? Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller turkey. Just reduce the amount of marinade accordingly.
* Can I freeze leftover Turkey Marbella? Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
* Can I make the marinade ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Turkey Marbella is a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional roasted turkey that will quickly become a family favorite. So, ditch the boring turkey this year and give Turkey Marbella a try! You won’t regret it.