Advertisement

Ingredients

For the gravy

  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 100ml white wine
  • 600ml turkey or chicken stock

Method

  • STEP 1

    Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Wash the turkey and pat dry. Strip the leaves from half the rosemary and thyme stalks and finely chop. In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, chopped herbs, pancetta and mascarpone. Season well.

  • STEP 2

    Halve the zested lemons and stuff into the cavity, along with the remaining herb sprigs. Use your hand to loosen the skin lying over the breast of the turkey, to create a pocket. Push the mascarpone mixture under the breast skin to create a thick, even layer.

  • STEP 3

    Put the onion slices into a large, flameproof roasting tin, place the turkey on top and cover loosely with foil. Cook for 3-3¾ hrs, until the juices of the bird run clear. Baste every 30 mins and uncover for the last 30 mins if needed, to brown the bird. When cooked, take the turkey from the oven, remove from the tin and leave to rest on a platter, covered loosely with foil, for 30 mins.

  • STEP 4

    To make the gravy, pour away any excess fat from the roasting tin and discard the onion slices. Set the tin over a medium heat, then sprinkle over the flour. Stir through and cook for 2 mins. Slowly whisk in the wine and stock. Bring to a boil, scraping the bits from the bottom, then simmer over a low heat for 15 mins. Serve the gravy with the turkey.

RECIPE TIPS
EMMA SAYS...

When you carve into the breast you get a lovely layer of mascarpone mix, which subtly flavours the meat and keeps the breast moist.

TIP

If the turkey is on the dry side, keep on carving, then take the slices back to the kitchen and drizzle with a little hot chicken stock. If it's underdone, cut into the joints and pop it back in the oven.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, December 2005

Goes well with

Advertisement

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.12 ratings
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement