Turkey with Carrots, Celery, and Onions: A Thanksgiving Classic

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And what’s Thanksgiving without a perfectly roasted turkey? This recipe for turkey with carrots, celery, and onions is a classic for a reason. It’s simple to follow, yet yields a flavorful and juicy turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
1 bunch celery, coarsely chopped
4 carrots, coarsely chopped
4 onions, coarsely chopped
2 heads fennel, chopped (optional)
2 leeks, white part only, sliced
1 orange, sliced
2 tablespoons dried basil
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, salt, and pepper. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, under the skin and on the outside.
Place the celery, carrots, onions, fennel (if using), leeks, and orange slices in the bottom of a roasting pan.
Place the turkey on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (75°C).
Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes during cooking.
Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Serve the turkey with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Tips:

For a crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
If you don’t have fennel, you can substitute with another herb, such as rosemary or thyme.
To make gravy, pour the pan juices into a saucepan and skim off the fat. Add flour to the pan juices, a tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This turkey with carrots, celery, and onions recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests this Thanksgiving It’s easy to make, yet yields a delicious and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday meal So gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast.

Additional Information:

This recipe is suitable for a 12-14 pound turkey. If your turkey is larger or smaller, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You can also use this recipe to roast a chicken or other poultry.
For a vegetarian option, try substituting the turkey with a tofu turkey roast.
This recipe is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using vegan butter.

Keywords:

turkey, carrots, celery, onions, Thanksgiving, roasted turkey, holiday recipe, easy recipe, delicious recipe, flavorful recipe, juicy turkey, crispy skin, gravy, Thanksgiving sides, mashed potatoes, stuffing.

Meta Description:

This classic recipe for turkey with carrots, celery, and onions is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to follow and yields a delicious and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when the turkey is done cooking?

The turkey is done cooking when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (75°C).

Can I use a different type of vegetable in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of vegetable that you like. Some other good options include potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and green beans.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply roast the turkey according to the instructions, then let it cool completely. Once the turkey is cool, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the turkey, place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until it is heated through.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply place the turkey in the slow cooker, along with the vegetables and water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey is done cooking.

This turkey with carrots, celery, and onions recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare a Thanksgiving turkey. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.