Chains Mayflower Thanksgiving Dish (Printable)

A festive turkey and roasted root vegetable dish inspired by the bonds of community and harvest.

# Components:

→ Turkey

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless turkey breast, skin on
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
04 - 1 teaspoon dried sage
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Roasted Root Vegetables

07 - 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
09 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
10 - 1 large celery root (celeriac), peeled and cubed
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Gravy

15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
17 - 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
18 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

20 - 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
21 - ½ cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

# Method:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
02 - Rub olive oil, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper onto the turkey breast evenly.
03 - Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cover with foil and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
04 - Toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and celery root with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
06 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth, then gradually add stock while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in soy sauce and simmer 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
07 - Arrange roasted vegetables and sliced turkey on a large platter in overlapping, chain-like rows or rings to symbolize linked connections. Drizzle with gravy and garnish with chopped parsley and pecans if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The earthy, caramelized root vegetables create layers of natural sweetness that complement tender turkey without any fussiness
  • One oven does almost all the work while you prepare other sides, making this perfect for managing a full Thanksgiving spread
  • The visual presentation tells a story, turning dinner into something memorable before anyone takes a bite
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period for the turkey. Those 15 minutes make the difference between moist, tender slices and ones that release all their juices into the pan
  • Cutting all your vegetables to the same size isn't just about looking pretty, it's the only way everything finishes cooking at the same moment with that perfect caramelized edge
03 -
  • Toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for just 3 to 4 minutes, shaking frequently, to unlock their deepest flavor and ensure they stay crispy on top of the platter
  • If your oven runs hot or cool, adjust your timing accordingly, but always trust a meat thermometer over time because every oven has its own personality
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