A brine is very easy to make with salt, sugar, fresh (or dried) herbs/spices, and a hint of citrus. Once you learn how to brine a turkey, you’ll never want to prepare it any other way.
Ingredients :
12 cups water divided
1 cup kosher salt
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
5 cloves garlic halved
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 whole bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh sage
4 cups broth chicken, turkey, or vegetable, or apple cider
1-2 oranges sliced, optional
Directions :
In a soup pot, on the stove over medium-high heat, add 4 cups water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and sage.
Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring to help dissolve the sugar and salt.
When the sugar and salt are fully dissolved remove the pot from the heat.
Pour in the remaining water (or add some ice to cool it faster). Add the cold broth and allow the mixture to fully cool.
When the mixture is cooled add to a large food-grade container or brining bag and brine turkey for up to 24 hours.
Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse with very cold water. Discard brine, do not reuse.
Dab dry with paper towels and cook according to your favorite roast turkey recipe.
