Recipe for Lebanese-style turkey to delight your guests this holiday season:

Ingredients:

For the turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (5–6 kg)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 100 g softened butter

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 2 tablespoons sumac

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the stuffing:

• 200 g basmati rice

• 200 g ground meat (lamb or beef)

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (optional)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon Lebanese 7-spice mix

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 400 ml chicken stock

For the sauce:

• Turkey drippings

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

Preparing the turkey:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Mix the softened butter with garlic, lemon juice, sumac, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

3. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread the spiced butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture all over the turkey.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and massage to coat evenly.

Preparing the stuffing:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.

2. Add the ground meat, pine nuts, and almonds, and cook until the meat is browned.

3. Stir in the rice, cinnamon, and 7-spice mix. Mix well.

4. Pour in the chicken stock and simmer until the rice absorbs the liquid (about 10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared mixture.

Cooking the turkey:

1. Place the stuffed turkey in a large roasting pan. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

2. Roast for approximately 3 to 4 hours (about 40 minutes per kg). Baste the turkey regularly with its juices.

3. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to become golden and crispy.

Preparing the sauce:

1. Collect the turkey drippings and pour them into a saucepan.

2. Add tahini, lemon juice, and honey. Whisk until smooth.

3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serving:

• Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), toasted pine nuts, and lemon wedges.

• Serve with sides like roasted potatoes, fattoush salad, or Lebanese bread.

Enjoy your feast and happy holidays! 🌟