Lemon roast turkey with hazelnut and fig stuffing

Step 1

To make the hazelnut & fig stuffing, melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl. Heat the oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are light golden. Transfer to the bowl. Add the fig, parsley, hazelnuts and lemon rind and stir to combine.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 180°C. Place an oven shelf in the lowest position and remove the other shelves except for the top shelf.

Step 3

Remove excess fat, giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Wipe inside and out with paper towel. Loosely fill with stuffing. Use unwaxed white kitchen string to tie the legs together. Run your fingers under the skin of the breast to loosen and create a large pocket. Arrange the lemon slices, in a single layer, inside the pocket. Tuck the wings under.

Step 4

Add 250ml (1 cup) of water to a large roasting pan. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a wire rack in the pan. Brush with butter. Tuck the rosemary sprigs under the string. Cover with non-stick baking paper, then cover the pan with foil. Roast, basting with remaining butter, every 30 minutes, for 2 1/2 hours.

Step 5

Remove baking paper and foil. Roast for a further 45 minutes or until golden and the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a skewer. Transfer to a carving tray and cover loosely with foil. Set aside for 15 minutes to rest before carving.