HERB AND MUSTARD TURKEY WITH GREEN ONION GRAVY

Herb and Mustard Turkey with Green Onion Gravy image

Give your gravy some more aggressive flavors by using green onions.

Provided by Bruce Aidells

Categories Herb Mustard Onion Poultry turkey Roast Christmas Thanksgiving Winter Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

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Ingredients

Herb and Mustard Butter:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup finely chopped green onion tops
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
Turkey:
1 14- to 16-pound turkey, rinsed, patted dry inside and out; neck, heart, and gizzard reserved for Shortcut Turkey Stock
10 fresh Italian parsley sprigs
6 fresh sage sprigs
6 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups Shortcut Turkey Stock or water
Gravy:
2 cups (or more) Shortcut Turkey Stock
2 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons cornstarch
3 green onions, white parts and green tops chopped separately
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Steps:

For herb and mustard butter:
Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.
For turkey:
Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 325°F. Sprinkle main turkey cavity with salt and pepper and spread with 2 tablespoons herb-mustard butter. Starting at neck end of turkey, carefully slide hand between skin and meat of breast, thighs, and upper drumsticks to loosen skin. Spread herb butter over thigh and drumsticks, then over breast meat under skin. Fill main cavity with parsley, sage, and thyme sprigs. Tie legs together loosely. Tuck wing tips under.
Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan. Rub outside of turkey all over with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour stock into pan. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F to 170°F, about 3 hours. Tilt turkey so juices from main cavity run into pan. Transfer turkey to platter. Tent very loosely with foil; let rest at least 30 minutes (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees). Reserve pan.
For gravy:
Scrape juices and browned bits from reserved roasting pan into large glass measuring cup. Spoon off fat, reserving 2 tablespoons. Add enough stock to pan juices to measure 2 cups. Whisk together 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch in small bowl until smooth.
Heat 2 tablespoons reserved fat in large saucepan over medium heat. Add white parts of green onions. Sauté until beginning to color, about 6 minutes. Add degreased pan juices, 2 cups stock, and cream. Whisk in cornstarch mixture. Simmer until reduced to desired consistency, whisking occasionally, about 8 minutes. Stir in herbs and green onion tops. Season with salt and pepper.