Recipe
Puerto Rican-Inspired Thanksgiving Pavochon
Caribbean Turkey Delight: A Flavorful Twist on Thanksgiving
4.7 out of 5
This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. The Pavochon, a Puerto Rican-style turkey, is marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a succulent and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Cooking time
3-4 hours
Total time
4-5 hours (including marinating and resting time)
Yields
8-10 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb, Paleo
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Kosher, Halal
Ingredients
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1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) (5.4-6.3 kg) 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) (5.4-6.3 kg)
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8 cloves of garlic, minced 8 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 cup (240ml) orange juice 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
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1 cup (240ml) lime juice 1 cup (240ml) lime juice
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1 tablespoon adobo seasoning 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
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1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
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2 tablespoons annatto oil 2 tablespoons annatto oil
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Carbohydrates: 0g (Sugars: 0g)
- Protein: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, adobo seasoning, dried oregano, annatto oil, salt, and pepper.
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2.Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat the turkey evenly.
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3.Cover the roasting pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the turkey to marinate.
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4.Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
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5.Remove the turkey from the marinade and place it on a rack in the roasting pan.
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6.Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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7.Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
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8.Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
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9.Carve the turkey and serve it with the pan juices as a flavorful gravy.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Annatto oil — Annatto oil can be found in specialty stores or online. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika and vegetable oil for a similar flavor and color.
Tips & Tricks
- To achieve a crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make sure to let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meat.
- Serve the Pavochon with traditional Puerto Rican side dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and tostones (fried plantains) for a complete Puerto Rican feast.
Serving advice
Serve the Puerto Rican-Inspired Thanksgiving Pavochon as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table. Carve the turkey and arrange the slices on a platter, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Presentation advice
For an impressive presentation, place the carved turkey on a bed of colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Drizzle the pan juices over the vegetables for added flavor and visual appeal.
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