Recipe by Adam Pearson and photography by Matt Armendariz
5.5 - 6.5 kg turkey, thawed
Brine
8 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
tablespoons dried oregano
tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoons dried thyme
Butter
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Italian parsley leaves
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon sage, roughly chopped
3 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Combine all dry brine ingredients together in a bowl.
Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and place the cleaned and thawed turkey on the rack, remove any giblets etc from inside the turkey and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Rub the brine all over the skin of the turkey, don't forget to get the underside.
Transfer the turkey, uncovered to the refrigerator and refrigerate for at least 24 hours and up to 72 hours.
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and place on a rack in a large roasting pan. Let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 450.
In a food processor, combine the butter, zest, herbs, salt and pepper, Pulse to combine into a smooth paste.
Rub the butter mixture all over the bird and under the skin. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and place into the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes drop the temperature to 180 degrees ceclius and continue to roast until golden brown and the breast has reached an internal temperature of 75 degrees celcius, about 2 more hours.
Remove from the oven, let rest for 30 minutes, carve and serve.