Spicy Indian Flavored Thanksgiving Turkey

Last year, I decided to switch things up and make a spicy Thanksgiving turkey inspired by bold Indian flavors in addition to a "regular" American style savory turkey.  The spicy turkey ended up being the surprise hit of the whole holiday. 🔥 My family couldn’t get enough of it! Juicy, fragrant, and full of that irresistible kick, it was the kind of turkey that people talk about long after dinner is over. Best of all, in a couple of days, all the spicy turkey leftovers were all gobbled up. 😋 Read more to get the spicy recipe.

I’ve made plenty of turkeys over the years, but this one instantly became my favorite. The spices soaked right in, giving every bite a warm, rich, flavor-packed spicy punch that totally transformed the traditional Thanksgiving vibe. Since it turned out so well, I knew I had to share it this year for anyone looking to bring something extra special to their table. 

If you’re craving big flavor and want a break from the same old turkey, definitely give this a try. You’ll love it — my family sure did.

Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of spice, joy, and unforgettable food. 🦃🔥🧡 

Download recipe HERE

Spicy Indian Flavored Turkey

Thawed Turkey: ~ 8 lbs. (see recipe below for larger turkey)

Plain Yogurt: ½ cup for marinating turkey

1 stick butter – divided, cut into small pieces

Kitchen twine – to truss turkey (tie turkey legs and wings of turkey together)

Spices for turkey marinade: For a larger pound turkey, double the amount of each spice and amount of yogurt.

3 Tbsp  Ginger Garlic paste

1 tsp Garam Masala

¾ tsp Chili powder

2 tsp Anar Gourmet Foods Hot South Indian Curry powder

½ tsp Ground Coriander

¾ tsp Cumin

2 tsp Salt

1/8 tsp Green Cardamom

½ stick – 1 stick butter- cut up into small bits 

CHEF’S TIP: Add ¼ -1/2  cup more yogurt to marinade for milder taste.  

Ingredients to place in turkey cavity: Tie in a cheese cloth bundle and place in turkey cavity.

¼ purple onion

3 cloves garlic

¼ small lemon

1 Tablespoon of butter

Recipe:

·       Mix all spices along with yogurt to make turkey marinade. Smell and taste spice blend. With a bigger turkey or if you want a spicier turkey, double the amount of each spice listed for marinating turkey. No need to double ingredients in cheesecloth.

 

·       Place thawed turkey in roasting pan and rub turkey marinade liberally on turkey and in cavity. Cover with clear plastic wrap and marinate overnight in fridge for best results.

 

·       After marinating turkey overnight, remove plastic wrap and place bundled cheese cloth with ingredients in turkey cavity.

 

·       Truss (tie)  turkey wings and legs together with kitchen twine.

 

·       Add pats of butter on top turkey and between legs and wings areas. Measure butter added with your heart 

 

·       Place lid on roasting pan, preheat oven and bake in oven according to cooking instructions on packaging label of turkey. Cover wing tips with aluminum foil to keep from burning.

 

·       Baste turkey as needed per cooking instructions on packaging label with accumulated juices in roasting pan to keep it juicy, especially for last couple of hours.

 

·       Serve with coconut rice (recipe on Anar Gourmet Foods website) or spicy Indian pulao rice.

 

·       Serve with condiment of yogurt raita (recipe on Anar Gourmet Foods Website).

 

Sharing with love from our family to yours. 💕

Enjoy!