Lebanese-Inspired Spiced Roast Turkey

While turkey may not traditionally be a part of Lebanese cuisine, you can infuse Lebanese flavours into your Thanksgiving turkey with a unique marinade or spice rub.

Here’s a Lebanese-inspired spice rub and preparation method for turkey:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole turkey (size of your choice and organic if possible)
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground sumac
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Directions:
  1. Mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, sumac, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Wash your turkey then pat the turkey dry and rub the marinade all over the turkey, ensuring it’s well-coated. Allow the turkey to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven according to the turkey’s weight and packaging instructions.
  4. Place the marinated turkey in a roasting pan and roast according to the turkey’s weight and recommended cooking time.
  5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serve this Lebanese-inspired spiced roast turkey with traditional Lebanese sides like tabbouleh, fattoush, or roasted vegetables with a Mediterranean twist for a delightful fusion of flavours.