Peri Peri Turkey Brine Recipe
Peri Peri Turkey Brine for a Spicy Turkey Day Feast
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, celebrate, and share delicious food. This year, why not elevate your Thanksgiving turkey with a Peri Peri Turkey Brine?
A well-made brine infuses deep flavors into the meat, keeping it moist, juicy, and tender, even after long hours of roasting. Below, you'll find a simple recipe for this flavorful brine, along with a look at why brining is so effective.
Why Brine?
Brining is an age-old technique that involves soaking meat in a saltwater solution. This process helps the turkey absorb both moisture and seasonings. The result is a bird that's far less likely to dry out, ensuring each bite is succulent, richly seasoned, and satisfying.
The Benefits of Exploring New Foods
Trying new foods like a Peri Peri Turkey Brine is a fun adventure for your taste buds, but it's also good for your brain. Exploring unfamiliar tastes and ingredients stimulates your mind, helping you stay curious and open to new experiences. This practice enhances cognitive flexibility, which is key to keeping your brain healthy as you age.
Turn Up the Flavor with our Peri Peri Brine Turkey
Peri Peri Turkey Brine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup sea salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 peri peri hot peppers, diced
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1 ounce of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 oranges, quartered
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
Directions
- In a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat.
- Add the allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, oranges, thyme, peri peri peppers, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander to the pot.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Place your turkey in a large container or brining bag. Pour the chilled brine over the turkey, ensuring it's fully submerged. If necessary, weigh down the turkey with a plate.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- When ready to roast, remove the turkey from the brine, pat it dry, and proceed with your favorite roasting method.
Remember: Do not add extra salt to the turkey, as it's already seasoned from the brine.