Mediterranean Diet Roast Turkey with Gravy

Infuse your holiday table with vibrant Mediterranean flavors by preparing this stunning Mediterranean Diet Roast Turkey with Gravy. This 12-pound turkey is elevated by a zesty blend of fresh lemon, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, paired with the richness of extra virgin olive oil for a heart-healthy twist. The herbaceous paste is tucked under the skin and rubbed all over, ensuring every bite bursts with fragrant flavor. Nestled with onions and roasted until golden, the turkey achieves a perfect balance of crisp skin and juicy, flavorful meat. The silky homemade gravy, made from pan drippings, a buttery roux, and turkey stock, is the ultimate finishing touch to this Mediterranean-inspired centerpiece. Ideal for entertaining, this recipe marries wholesome ingredients with a wow-worthy presentation, making it a must-try for any special gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 pounds Whole turkey
• 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 whole Lemon
• 2 tablespoons Fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons Fresh oregano
• 6 whole Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Ground black pepper
• 1 large Onion
• 4 cups Chicken or turkey stock
• 0.25 cups All-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2

Remove the turkey from its packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels inside and out. Let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 3

Zest one lemon and combine with chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add olive oil to form a paste.

Step 4

Gently separate the skin from the breast meat of the turkey, being careful not to tear it. Rub half of the herb paste directly onto the breast under the skin. Rub the remaining herb paste all over the exterior of the turkey, including legs and wings.

Step 5

Pour the juice from the zested lemon and the juice of the second lemon inside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with the squeezed lemon halves and a few sprigs of the herbs.

Step 6

Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body. Place in a roasting pan on a rack.

Step 7

Roughly chop the onion and scatter around the turkey in the roasting pan.

Step 8

Roast the turkey for approximately 3 hours or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached in the thickest part of the thigh, basting occasionally with pan juices.

Step 9

Once done, remove the turkey from the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Step 10

For the gravy, strain the pan drippings and discard solids. Skim off excess fat.

Step 11

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 12

Gradually whisk in the stock and pan drippings. Continue to whisk until the gravy is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 13

Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve alongside the sliced turkey.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(6995.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9066.3

Total Fat 354.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 3934.2mg	0%
Sodium 20892.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.5g
Protein 1322.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 853.3mg	0%
Iron 66.3mg	0%
Potassium 13962.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.4%

Protein: 60.3%

Carbs: 3.3%