Ingredients:

  • 1 whole Turkey (13 lbs), giblets removed
  • 3 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp Black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp Fresh sage, minced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1 large yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 3 cups Turkey stock
  • 1 tsp Soy sauce
  • 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup Heavy cream, warmed
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tsp Sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Perform a 24-hour dry brine: Pat the turkey bone-dry with paper towels. Rub the 3 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tbsp black pepper inside the cavity and under the skin of the breast. Leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for 24 hours to air-dry the skin.
  2. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix 1/2 cup softened butter with the minced sage and rosemary. Rub the herb butter under the turkey skin and over the exterior.
  3. Place the quartered onion and halved garlic head inside the turkey cavity. Truss the legs with kitchen twine and place the turkey on a V-rack in a large roasting pan.
  4. Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes to trigger the Maillard reaction, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Continue roasting until the breast reaches 165°F and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  5. Remove turkey from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest uncovered for at least 30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Make the gravy: Pour the pan drippings into a fat separator. Add 1/4 cup of the turkey fat back into the pan (or use butter). Whisk in 1/4 cup flour over medium heat for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the turkey stock and soy sauce, simmering until thickened and smooth.
  7. Prepare the potatoes: Boil the peeled Yukon Golds in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain and pass through a potato ricer. Fold in 1/2 cup cubed butter, warmed heavy cream, and 2 tsp sea salt until silky and creamy.
  8. Carve the rested turkey and serve with the warm gravy and mashed potatoes.