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+ servings
Aromatic Fresh Herb Turkey Brine
Elevate your holiday bird with this deeply fragrant, rustic soak. Relying on a classic blend of fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and bay leaves, this brine infuses the meat with a savory, earthy depth while locking in maximum moisture, guaranteeing a beautifully juicy and traditional centerpiece.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon Water (for the boiling phase)
  • 1 cup Kosher salt (essential for the brining process)
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed, to balance the salt and aid in skin browning)
  • 1 bunch Fresh sage (the ultimate holiday herb)
  • 4 sprigs Fresh rosemary (adds a robust, woodsy aroma)
  • 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
  • 3 whole Bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp Black peppercorns (whole)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (smashed to release flavor)
  • 1 gallon Ice water (crucial for rapidly cooling the concentrated liquid)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-duty stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water, Kosher salt, brown sugar, fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and smashed garlic.
  • Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the fragrant mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the Kosher salt and brown sugar have completely dissolved into the water (about 5-10 minutes).
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Let the herbs steep in the hot liquid as it cools slightly at room temperature, releasing their powerful essential oils.
  • Pour the herbal concentrate into your designated brining container (a massive pot or a heavy-duty brining bag). Immediately pour in the 1 gallon of ice water to drop the temperature fast. Wait until the liquid is entirely ice-cold before proceeding.
  • Submerge your fully thawed, raw turkey into the chilled liquid, breast-side down. Ensure the entire bird is fully covered.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and let the bird soak for 12 to 24 hours to absorb all those wonderful, rustic flavors.
  • Remove the turkey from the liquid and discard the brine entirely. Pat the bird incredibly dry inside and out with paper towels before roasting for perfectly crisp, golden skin.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 28397mgPotassium: 109mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 111IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 141mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 122kcal
Meal Type: marinade, prep
Cuisine: American
Keyword: herb turkey brine, rosemary sage brine, traditional turkey brine
Cooking Method: Boiled
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