Tandoori turkey

Recipe By:Prue Leith Chef's Academy
Serves:8

Ingredients

  • a pinch salt
  • 4 cm fresh ginger, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 30 ml canola oil
  • 30 ml lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 15 ml ground cumin
  • 5 ml hot chili powder
  • 10 g paprika
  • 7 ml garam masala
  • 200 ml low fat plain yoghurt
  • 2-3 kg whole turkey

Woolworths is committed to sustainability via our good business journey. Seasonal (and other) products might not always be in stock.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade thoroughly in a mixing bowl and taste.  If you prefer it spicier, add more chili.
  2. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and rinse thoroughly under cold water.  Gently dry with kitchen paper.
  3. Place the turkey in a flat glass dish; fold the wingtips underneath the body of the turkey in order to stabilize it.
  4. If you are up for a little more work, carefully remove the wishbone close to the neck by scraping the bone with a small knife and pulling it out with your fingers.  The bone is situated in a V-shape around the neck of the turkey (it makes it easier to slice the turkey elegantly when serving).
  5. Baste the entire turkey thoroughly with the marinade. The marinade should be brushed on generously and add a spoon full into the carcass.
  6. Bring the two legs of the turkey together and tie it tight with some string.  This will ensure that the turkey holds its shape and that it will cook evenly.
  7. Cover the turkey with cling wrap and let it marinate overnight.
  8. Take the turkey out of the fridge about an hour before the coals are ready.
  9. Turkey is at its best when it is cooked slowly, so make sure that the fire is not too hot.
  10. Prepare the fire in a kettle braai and when it is ready (you can keep your hand over the fire for about 8 seconds) spread it out to two sides.  Place a foil container in the middle.  Direct heat will let the marinade burn too quickly.
  11. Away from the fire spray the grill with spray and cook.
  12. Place the turkey on the sprayed grill in the middle over the foil container.
  13. Put the lid on and open the ventilation three quarters. Make sure that the ventilation control under the coals is also open.
  14. Resist the temptation of opening too often.
  15. Depending on the heat of the coals and the size of the turkey it can take up to 21/2 hours to cook.
  16. When the turkey is dark brown and you think it might be ready, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (do not touch the bone).  If the temperature reaches between 70ºC – 73ºC the turkey is cooked and ready.
  17. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  18. Serve with flat bread (this can also be made on the fire), yogurt and cucumber dip, Middle Eastern salads and/or vegetable dishes.
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