Ray Garcia’s Thanksgiving turkey
4 hours, plus 3 days brining and drying time. Serves 8 to 12.
TURKEY BUTTER
6 tablespoons annatto (achiote) seeds 3 tablespoons dried Mexican oregano 2 teaspoons toasted cumin seeds 1 teaspoon allspice berries 1 teaspoon black peppercorns Juice and zest from 2 limes 1 pound butter at room temperature
1. Using a spice or coffee grinder, grind the annatto seeds, oregano, cumin, allspice and peppercorns to a powder.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a bowl using a hand mixer, beat the spices into the butter, along with the lime juice and zest. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 week; allow to soften before using.
TURKEY
1 cup chiles de árbol
2 gallons water, preferably filtered
2 cups kosher salt, preferably
Diamond brand 1 cup plus
2 tablespoons agave syrup
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
2 (12-ounce) cans Mexican
beer, preferably Tecate
10 avocado leaves
2 bunches thyme, divided
3 garlic heads, halved crosswise
1 (17-pound) turkey
1 bunch oregano
2 lemons, halved
Turkey butter, divided
1. Toast the chiles de árbol: Heat a comal or dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chiles and toast, pressing down with a wooden spoon or spatula, until they begin to darken in spots and blister, about 1 minute per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a large, non-reactive container, whisk the salt into the water until dissolved. Whisk in the agave syrup, then the chiles, orange and pineapple juices, beer, avocado leaves, 1 bunch thyme and 2 halved garlic heads. Add the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged. Refrigerate the turkey for 2 days.
3. Remove the turkey from the brine and transfer to a rack. Air dry the turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
4. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and stuff the cavity with the remaining bunch thyme, oregano, lemon halves and remaining halved garlic head. Take half of the turkey butter and massage it onto the turkey meat under the skin.
5. Truss the turkey and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast the turkey until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh meat reaches 150 degrees. Remove and brush with the remaining butter. Continue to roast, basting regularly, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and set aside for 30 minutes prior to carving. Note: Adapted from a recipe by Broken Spanish restaurant.