This festive “Drunken Turkey” is a show-stopping holiday centerpiece that marries savory meat with sweet and spicy notes. The turkey is generously stuffed with a mixture of dried fruits, golden raisins, and tart Granny Smith apples, all soaked in a robust blend of tequila, Grand Marnier, and chipotle chiles. As it roasts, the alcohol infuses the meat, keeping it incredibly moist while the fruit caramelizes into a rich, jam-like stuffing. The smoky heat from the chipotles balances the sweetness of the oranges and liqueurs perfectly. This dish is ideal for special occasions or when you want to elevate a traditional roast with complex, layered flavors. It requires some prep work for the injection and stuffing, but the result is a tender, aromatic bird that serves as both main course and side dish.
Drunken Turkey – Gghol
Description
This festive "Drunken Turkey" is a show-stopping holiday centerpiece that marries savory meat with sweet and spicy notes. The turkey is generously stuffed with a mixture of dried fruits, golden raisins, and tart Granny Smith apples, all soaked in a robust blend of tequila, Grand Marnier, and chipotle chiles. As it roasts, the alcohol infuses the meat, keeping it incredibly moist while the fruit caramelizes into a rich, jam-like stuffing. The smoky heat from the chipotles balances the sweetness of the oranges and liqueurs perfectly. This dish is ideal for special occasions or when you want to elevate a traditional roast with complex, layered flavors. It requires some prep work for the injection and stuffing, but the result is a tender, aromatic bird that serves as both main course and side dish.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 325F (163C).
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Rinse the turkey thoroughly inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
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In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, golden raisins, and chopped Granny Smith apples.
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In a blender or food processor, puree the orange juice and chipotle chiles (with their sauce) until smooth.
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Add 1 cup of tequila and 1 cup of Grand Marnier to the blender and blend briefly to combine.
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Pour this liquid mixture over the fruit and apple mixture in the bowl.
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Let the fruit soak in the liquor for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Drain the fruit, reserving the liquid soaking mixture in a separate bowl.
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Cut half of the butter into small pieces and toss with the soaked fruit mixture.
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Stuff the turkey cavity generously with most of the fruit mixture, packing it loosely.
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Place the turkey inside a roasting bag and arrange the remaining fruit mixture on top of the bird.
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Pour the reserved orange-chile-liquor mixture over the turkey and fruit.
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In a small cup, combine the remaining tequila and Grand Marnier for injection.
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Using a basting syringe, inject the remaining liquor mixture evenly throughout the turkey meat.
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Melt the remaining butter and pour it carefully over the turkey inside the roasting bag.
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Seal the roasting bag according to package instructions and cut a 1/4-inch slit in the top to allow steam to escape.
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Place the bag in a roasting pan and roast for 2 1/2 hours.
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Every 30 minutes, carefully open the bag (shielding your face from steam) and inject more of the reserved liquor mixture until it is used up.
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When the turkey is done, carefully slit open the bag and transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
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Scoop out the roasted fruit stuffing and place it in a separate serving bowl.
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Strain the juices from the roasting bag, skim off excess fat, and serve the gravy in a gravy boat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1474.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.0g19%
- Saturated Fat 3.4g17%
- Cholesterol 469.9mg157%
- Sodium 400.5mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 49.2g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4.0g16%
- Sugars 39.6g
- Protein 199.9g400%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
