This turkey recipe not only incorporates the festive colours of green and red but also caters to a low histamine and low sulphur diet. Adjust the recipe based on your individual preferences and sensitivities, and enjoy a delicious and visually appealing Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
Turkey:
- 1 whole fresh turkey (size according to your needs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cranberry-Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- *Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for roasting turkey.
- Prepare the Turkey:
- Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper.
- Herb Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, and minced garlic to create a herb rub.
- Rub the Turkey:
- Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin for added flavour. Season the exterior with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast according to the weight of your turkey, following recommended cooking times.
- Prepare the Cranberry-Orange Glaze:
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, grated ginger, and ground cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze.
- Apply the Glaze:
- *During the last 30-45 minutes of roasting, baste the turkey with the cranberry-orange glaze every 15 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and has a beautiful glaze.
- Check Doneness:
- Ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should register 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish:
- Once the turkey is done, let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. Garnish the serving platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and scattered fresh cranberries.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Serve the turkey with a side of steamed green beans and roasted sweet potatoes for a well-balanced Christmas meal.
*Note: Citrus is generally considered low in histamines; however, on rare occasions, it may trigger histamines in the body.
STUFFING SUGGESTION
You may want to elevate the flavour of the turkey with the addition of the following stuffing recipe.
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1 cup chopped leeks (green parts only)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a skillet, sauté leeks and zucchini in olive oil until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables with cooked quinoa to make a low histamine stuffing.
- Stuff the Turkey:
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared low histamine stuffing.
Substituting Ham at Christmas Time
Processed and cured meats, including ham, often have elevated levels of histamine. The curing process involves the breakdown of proteins, which can release histamine. This can be a concern for individuals with histamine intolerance.
Ham may also contain sulphites or other sulphur containing compounds used during processing and preservation. Sulphites are additives that can trigger sensitivities in some people.
If you’re following a low histamine and low sulphur diet, it’s advisable to choose fresh, unprocessed meats and avoid cured or processed options. Instead of ham, consider alternatives like fresh turkey, chicken, or fish, which tend to be lower in histamine and sulphur containing compounds. Choose fresh, organic poultry. Opt for fresh, low-histamine seafood such as salmon, cod, or shrimp and avoid smoked or canned varieties, as they may contain higher levels of histamine. Lamb can be a flavourful and festive alternative to ham, however, ensure that it’s fresh and prepared without high-sulphur additives. Ideally, preparing your own roasts using fresh, low-histamine and low-sulphur ingredients, gives you control over the ingredients and cooking methods. Meats can be marinated with fresh herbs, olive oil, and garlic to add flavour without relying on high-histamine or high-sulphur ingredients. The turkey recipe outlined below is a low histamine, low sulpha recipe that is a little bit extra special for Christmas celebrations.