A Simple Brine

Name: A Simple Brine
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 carrot, peeled, diced; 1 large onion, peeled, diced; 1/4 cup diced celery; 2 large sprigs thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

10 ingredients

3 steps

Ingredients

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 carrot, peeled, diced
1 large onion, peeled, diced
1/4 cup diced celery
2 large sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

Directions

1

Bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil in a very large (16-quart) pot, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved.
2

Turn off heat. Add remaining ingredients to brine base. Refrigerate, uncovered, until cold.
3

Add 6 quarts cold water to pot. Add turkey. Place a plate on top of turkey to keep submerged. Cover; chill for up to 72 hours. (The turkey will be moister and more flavorful if allowed to brine the full 72 hours.)