Turkey Crown with Roast Garlic & Pancetta Ingredients

Turkey Crown:

• 2 – 2.5 kg turkey breast or crown
• Olive oil
• 10 strips of cured bacon (or pancetta)
• Small sprigs of rosemary
• 8 wedges of an onion

For Stuffing:

• 4 tablespoons of olive oil (extra olive oil for adding in the drenched mixture)
• 2 moderately sized onions finely diced
• 3 pieces of clove chopped
• 3.5 ounces (100 g) of Pine nuts
• 3 ounces (85 g) of grated Parmesan
• 6-8 pieces of chopped pancetta
• a small loaf of ciabatta (aiming for breadcrumbs of 280g or 10oz)
• 4 tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon of spiced rosemary (finely chopped)
• One lemon’s skin, finely shaved
• 2 beaten eggs

For Garlic:

• 3 bulbs of garlic (cut at the center, width wise)
• 6 wedges from one of the division lemons

For Gravy:

• 4 tsp of plain flour
• 175 ml (medium sweet) marsala
• 850 ml turkey or chicken stock

Step by Step Instructions for Turkey Crown with Roast Garlic & Pancetta

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey Crown

1. Begin by getting the oven temperature at 190°C or 170°C with fan assistance. Alternatively, set the gas to number 5.
2. Wash the turkey crown, then dry it off using kitchen tissue. Weigh the turkey to determine cooking time, using 20 minutes per kilogram plus 70 minutes (or 90 minutes for over 4 kg turkey crowns).
3. Slather olive oil throughout the turkey and season generously with fresh cracked pepper. Lay pancetta or streaky bacon heavily over the turkey and tuck it beneath the bird to secure.
4. Tuck small rosemary twigs between the bacon slices. Secure the turkey crown with butcher’s string in 2-3 places to maintain its shape.
5. Place onion wedges at the bottom of the roasting tin and place the turkey crown on top. Cover with foil and roast as per the recommended time.

Step 2: Preparing the Stuffing

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the onions and garlic for 5-8 minutes, until golden and soft.
2. Push the onions to one side, add pine nuts and fry for 1 more minute until golden.
3. Remove from heat, let cool, then add remaining olive oil, Parmesan, and other stuffing ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the stuffing into an oiled ovenproof dish, drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
5. Cover the dish with baking parchment and refrigerate if preparing in advance.

Step 3: Roasting the Turkey and Garlic

1. After 30 minutes, increase oven temperature to 200°C (fan 180°C) or gas mark 6.
2. Place garlic bulbs and lemon wedges around the turkey, basting with cooking juices.
3. Return to oven for another 30 minutes. To check doneness, pierce the thickest part of the crown with a skewer; juices should run clear.

Step 4: Resting and Cooking the Stuffing

1. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it with the garlic and lemon, transferring it to a warm platter. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 30 minutes before carving.
2. Meanwhile, increase oven temperature to 220°C (fan 200°C) or gas mark 7. Bake the stuffing for 20 minutes, then remove the parchment and bake for another 5 minutes to brown.

Step 5: Making the Gravy

1. Pour off excess fat from the roasting tin but leave the juices and onions. Stir the sticky bits into the juices and heat over medium heat.
2. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, then add Marsala, cooking for another 2 minutes.
3. Add stock, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Strain into a pan and reheat before serving.

Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Christmas Turkey Crown

This Turkey Crown with Roast Garlic & Pancetta recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The combination of succulent turkey, aromatic garlic, savory pancetta, and flavorful stuffing, complemented by a rich gravy, ensures a festive feast that will impress your guests.

FAQs: Christmas Turkey Crown Recipe

Can I make the stuffing in advance?

Yes, the stuffing can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

Pierce the thickest part of the turkey crown with a skewer; the juices should run clear. If they are still pink, continue roasting and check every 10 minutes.

Can I substitute pancetta with bacon?

Yes, streaky bacon can be used in place of pancetta for a similar flavor.