This weekend is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone that is celebrating a Happy Thanksgiving!!
It had been a long time since I last had roast turkey dinner so there was no doubt at all that that would be on the menu this Thanksgiving. The only question was; What kind of roast turkey? I was all set to do a simple herbed roast turkey when I came across this recipe for a parmesan and sage roasted turkey on myrecipes that sounded really good. Of course sage would go great with the turkey but I was interested to see how the parmigiano reggiano would work on a roasted turkey. One of the things that I liked about this recipe is the attention that is paid to the gravy from the start including adding vegetables to the roasting pan simply to flavour the turkey drippings for the gravy.
Since I am not cooking for a large family I prefer to go with a single large turkey breast rather than doing a full turkey. (I have to admit that my favorite part of the roast turkey dinner is the leftover turkey sandwiches and the breast is what is required for those sandwiches.) Given the number of steps in this recipe, it took a bit longer to make than a more simple roast turkey but it was definitely worth it. The parmesan and sage roast turkey was nice and moist and tender and full of flavour. For the most part the parmigiano reggiano melted and disappeared into the sauce to add flavour to it but before it left it imparted the turkey with its flavour which worked well with the sage. The gravy was every bit as tasty as it prommised to be and I had a hard time trying to decided what to smother the turkey in; the gravy or the cranberry sauce or just to have it plain. I guess that’s what seconds and thirds are for.
Parmesan and Sage Roasted Turkey Breast
A roast turkey breast seasoned with parmesan and sage.
ingredients
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 2 tablespoons sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (6 pound) turkey breast, rinsed and pat dry
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup shallots, chopped
- 1/2 cup sherry
- 1 tablespoon sage, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
- salt and pepper to taste
directions
- Place the onion, celery, carrots and garlic in the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Mix the parmigiano reggiano, sage, butter, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the parmigiano reggiano mixture under the skin of the turkey and place the turkey in the roast pan breast side up.
- Sprinkle the turkey with lemon juice and toss the lemon halves into the pan as well.
- Roast in a 325F/170C oven until the middle of the turkey gets to 160F, about 1.5-2 hours.
- Remove from oven, cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a pan.
- Add the shallots and saute for 1 minute.
- Add the sherry and sage and simmer to reduce by half, about 5-10 minutes.
- Pour the drippings into a plastic bag straining the solids and discards them.
- Cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag and pour the drippings until the layer of fat is about to come out and discard the fat.
- Add chicken stock to the drippings.
- Add the drippings to the shallots and sherry.
- Mix the flour into the water and add it to the gravy along with some salt and pepper and simmer to until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
Ciao Chow Linda says
October 11, 2009 at 11:55 pmHappy Thanksgiving Kevin. That sure sounds like one savory tasting turkey breast. Love the parmesan and sage leaves idea.
Courtney says
October 11, 2009 at 11:56 pmHappy Thanksgiving!!
My mouth is watering right now! Can I send you my address for the leftovers please!!
Pam says
October 11, 2009 at 11:58 pmI know what I'll be making for Thanksgiving this year – it looks and sounds wonderful Kevin.
VeggieGirl says
October 12, 2009 at 12:29 amWishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!!
Helene says
October 12, 2009 at 12:53 amLooks yummy.
Happy Thanksgiving Kevin!
Natalie says
October 12, 2009 at 12:54 amThis looks like such a pleasant dinner and makes me look forward to our Thanksgiving.
But on another note, you MUST post that cranberry sauce recipe. It looks heavenly.
screwdestiny says
October 12, 2009 at 1:17 amHappy Thanksgiving! I'm in the States and now you've got me craving all that Thanksgiving food.
Kalyn says
October 12, 2009 at 1:24 amHappy Thanksgiving! It sounds wonderful, and I'm also a fan of cooking just the turkey breast. It's the sandwich meat, you're right!
Jenn says
October 12, 2009 at 1:29 amHappy Thanksgiving, Kevin. I can't wait for turkey day here in the States!!!!!
Memória says
October 12, 2009 at 2:09 amHappy Thanksgiving! This turkey looks perfect. Enjoy!
Julie says
October 12, 2009 at 2:17 amYour recipe sounds great…I always find turkey a bit dry and tasteless, but I'll bet this really adds a lot of flavor.
Hope your holiday was wonderful.
giz says
October 12, 2009 at 3:21 amHappy Thanksgiving Kevin I like the idea of an alternative to a whole bird. After a day or two of leftovers nobody even wants it anymore. This is a interesting way of doing the breast and I'm very curious about the parmesan addition.
Nina Timm says
October 12, 2009 at 3:25 amHappy Thanksgiving to you too, Kevin. I can hardly believe that a whole year has gone past since last Thanksgiving. Wonderful flavors you have used with your turkey this year!!
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
October 12, 2009 at 3:43 amThat sounds fantastic! What a great blend of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
Elra says
October 12, 2009 at 4:08 amHappy thanksgiving Kevin! Your turkey sounds delicious!
Anncoo says
October 12, 2009 at 5:50 amWOW! This looks fabulous!
high over happy says
October 12, 2009 at 6:45 amHappy Thanksgiving! Thank you for the many fun moments I've had reading your posts 🙂
Laila says
October 12, 2009 at 8:03 amLooks really delicious …
Laila .. http://lailablogs.com/
Joanne says
October 12, 2009 at 10:19 amAh yes, seconds and thirds – the hallmark of a good Thanksgiving meal. Happy Thanksgiving. No better way to celebrate than with delicious food such as this.
♥peachkins♥ says
October 12, 2009 at 11:08 amHappy Thanksgiving,Kevin!
Amanda says
October 12, 2009 at 11:10 amHappy Thanksgiving Kevin 🙂 I'm so looking forward to turkey here in the states. We get ours fresh from the farmer. Last year we had a 28 pounder!
Jamie says
October 12, 2009 at 12:25 pmHappy Thanksgiving, Kevine. This turkey and stuffing sounds so delicious! It does really sound like the extra work that goes into it is definitely worth it. Looks scrumptious.
Tracy @ Sugarcrafter says
October 12, 2009 at 1:30 pmHope you had a great Thanksgiving! This turkey looks amazing…now I am craving Thanksgiving food!
Anonymous says
October 12, 2009 at 3:28 pmHappy Thanksgiving! My favorite holiday. The turkey looks fantastic– really want your recipe for the cranberry chutney too!
George Gaston says
October 12, 2009 at 3:49 pmKevin… Happy Thanksgiving! We are all blessed to be the recipients of your creative talents.
There is nothing I like more than turkey and this recipe is definitely a winner. The flavor of sage and the addition of Parmesan cheese are brilliant!
Becky says
October 12, 2009 at 4:31 pmThat is totally making me look forward to Thanksgiving in the U.S. Gorgeous!
Bellini Valli says
October 12, 2009 at 5:19 pmHave a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend Kevin!!!Tirkey definitely needs tobe on the menu.
alicia says
October 12, 2009 at 5:30 pmHappy Thanksgiving! Love thanksgiving dinner, especailly next day leftovers!
Homecooked says
October 12, 2009 at 6:54 pmHappy Thanksgiving to you! This looks really delicious.
Ivy says
October 12, 2009 at 6:57 pmHappy belated Thanksgiving wishes Kevin. Love the flavours in your turkey.
Katrina says
October 12, 2009 at 7:11 pmHappy Thanksgiving to Canada and you! All your food always makes me really look forward to ours coming up!
Chris says
October 12, 2009 at 7:31 pmNice sounding bird, Kevin. I am guessing this was a bone in breast, is that correct? Also, nice tip on using the bag to separate the fat.
The Duo Dishes says
October 12, 2009 at 7:36 pmThanksgiving so soon? 🙂 Yay for turkey and sage. Great combination.
Pam says
October 12, 2009 at 8:39 pmI hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Kerstin says
October 12, 2009 at 8:54 pmHappy Thanksgiving! This looks like the perfect turkey! We alwayws make a turkey breast too.
Dawn says
October 12, 2009 at 9:43 pmHappy Thanksgiving to you Kevin.
Aggie says
October 13, 2009 at 12:27 amHappy Thanksgiving! That Parmesan and Sage sound amazing! I am tempted to try it for our Thanksgiving!!
Jennifer says
October 13, 2009 at 1:01 amHAPPY Thanksgiving!!! This turkey sounds amazing! Im saving to try!
Kevin says
October 13, 2009 at 10:53 amChris: Yes I prefer to get the bone on, skin on turkey breast.
Cathy A. says
October 15, 2009 at 12:25 amAfter reading this, I had to go right out and get everything I needed to make it. My sons were coming for dinner and I was sure they would like it. Well, I made it last night, and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious!!! The meat was moist and full of flavor. I was afraid that the Parmesan might be a little overpowering but it wasn't. The combination of the cheese and sage was perfect. Thank you so much for this recipe, Kevin.It's my new go-to turkey recipe.
Alifah says
November 12, 2009 at 1:15 amHi Kevin! This turkey looks perfect, I am going to try it this week! I was wondering, did you use fresh or dried sage?
Kevin says
November 12, 2009 at 11:26 pmAlifah: I used fresh sage.
Alifah says
November 14, 2009 at 7:37 pmThis was my first time making turkey and it was a success! I used two 8lb turkey breasts and doubled the recipe, added a bit more more sage and butter. During the last half hour of cooking or so I took the foil off to let the skin brown a bit more. The turkey turned out incredibly moist and beautiful on the outside and everyone LOVED the gravy, it was gone in 20 minutes! Thank you for sharing the recipe, this one is a keeper!
Andy Tan says
November 23, 2009 at 7:45 amHappy Thanksgiving! Love this. I'm trying this as soon as possible. Oh, and I loved it soo much I featured it in my blog. I linked you in. great job!
andyquirks.blogspot.com
susin says
November 26, 2009 at 11:01 pmI made this for Thanksgiving Dinner – a huge hit with the family! Thanks, Kevin!!