Recipe

Puerto Rican-Inspired Thanksgiving Pavochon

Caribbean Turkey Delight: A Flavorful Twist on Thanksgiving

4.5 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.

Meat Dish› Poultry Dish› Turkey Dish› Pavochon

Cuisine of the Americas› Caribbean cuisine› Puerto Rican cuisine

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

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) (5.4-6.3 kg) 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) (5.4-6.3 kg)
8 cloves of garlic, minced 8 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) orange juice 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
1 cup (240ml) lime juice 1 cup (240ml) lime juice
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons annatto oil 2 tablespoons annatto oil
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

1.
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, adobo seasoning, dried oregano, annatto oil, salt, and pepper.
2.
Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat the turkey evenly.
3.
Cover the roasting pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the turkey to marinate.
4.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
5.
Remove the turkey from the marinade and place it on a rack in the roasting pan.
6.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7.
Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
8.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
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.