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Best Easy Pavo Navideño Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pavo Navideño Recipe
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 200 g
Ingredients: whole turkey 10 lbs; orange 2 pieces; lemon 1 piece; yellow onion 1 piece; garlic cloves 5 cloves; achiote paste 3 tbsp; olive oil 3 tbsp; ground cumin 2 tsp; dried oregano 2 tsp; salt 2 tsp; black pepper 1 tsp

Mexican Christmas turkey roasted with achiote, citrus, and spices is a festive holiday centerpiece. This high protein, family celebration dish is a fresh, flavorful alternative to traditional preparations.

Cook 240 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal

#high protein #holiday feast #Mexican #family celebration

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

whole turkey 10 lbs
orange 2 pieces
lemon 1 piece
yellow onion 1 piece
garlic cloves 5 cloves

Seasonings/Sauce

achiote paste 3 tbsp
olive oil 3 tbsp
ground cumin 2 tsp
dried oregano 2 tsp
salt 2 tsp
black pepper 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 6 g 7%

Protein 39 g 49%

Fat 14 g 44%

Serving size 200g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Zest and juice the oranges and lemon, reserving both zest and juice for marinade.
2

In a blender, combine orange and lemon juice/zest, achiote paste, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion until smooth.
3

Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen skin from breast and massage half the marinade under the skin; spread the rest over the outside and in the cavity.
4

Let turkey marinate (covered) in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for optimal flavor.
5

Roast breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil. Roast for about 2.5 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes; uncover for the last hour to brown skin.
6

Check doneness: Thigh should reach 165°F. Rest turkey for 30 minutes before carving to retain juices.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The distinctive flavor of Pavo Navideño comes from the combination of achiote paste, which gives the turkey its deep color and earthy, citrusy notes, and the zesty blend of orange and lemon. These ingredients, alongside classic Mexican spices, define the dish’s festive taste.

Q. What is the most important tip for juicy, perfectly roasted turkey?

For a moist and flavorful turkey, it is crucial to marinate the turkey under the skin and allow ample resting time after roasting. Roasting with foil for most of the cooking time prevents the meat from drying, while finishing uncovered builds a golden, crisp exterior.

Q. How do I prevent the turkey breast from overcooking?

Basting every 30 minutes and covering the bird with foil helps regulate heat and moisture. Use a meat thermometer: remove the turkey once the thigh registers 165°F. Resting is equally important, as it allows juices to redistribute.

Q. How many calories and macros are in each serving?

Each 200g serving delivers around 320 calories, with 39g protein (49%), 6g carbohydrates (7%), and 14g fat (44%), making it an excellent high-protein, celebration-worthy main course.

Best Easy Pavo Navideño Recipe

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