We took some Thanksgiving inspiration from the West for this braaied turkey, but put a South African spin on it – naturally!

SERVES 8–10 // COOKING TIME 3 hours

INGREDIENTS
For the braaied turkey
1 × 6 kg turkey, giblets removed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp dried sage
2 tsp dried mixed herbs
For the apple and cranberry stuffing bake
3 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
500 g sourdough bread, cut into cubes
1 apple, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp chopped sage
1 tbsp thyme
¼ tsp cinnamon
2 cups chicken stock
1 egg

METHOD
For the braaied turkey
1. Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
2. Mix the remaining ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.
3. Rub all over the turkey and under the skin, being careful not to make any holes in the skin.
4. Place turkey in a foil container and cover with foil. Place in the centre of your braai grid over medium coals. Braai for 1 hour, replenishing the coals and checking the heat regularly.
5. Open up the foil package and baste the turkey with the cooking juices. Then remove the foil covering the top and braai for another 1–1½ hours, basting regularly, until the skin has crisped up and the turkey is cooked through.
6. Remove from the braai and allow to rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
For the apple and cranberry stuffing bake
1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat and fry the onion and celery until soft and translucent.
2. Mix together the bread, apples, cranberries, herbs and spices. Then mix through the onion and celery, stock and egg.
3. Create a foil package and add the stuffing mixture.
4. Place it on the braai grid next to your turkey and braai for 30–40 minutes, until set and cooked through.

Recipe: Nicola Naudé
Styling: Kate Turner
Photography: K-Leigh Siebritz // HMimages.co.za

Since the festive season is all about braaing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make even more delicious meats – including this braaied snoek.