Cook's Note: This recipe is not for a Kosher Bird, which is already brined. Use only for a frozen or fresh bird.
Unwrap the turkey and remove the neck and giblets (reserve for gravy). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry. Combine 1/3 cup salt, the sugar and 1 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Rub all over the turkey and inside the cavity. Put on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Rinse well and pat dry. (A dry brine is a good choice if you're short on fridge space.)
Mix the butter, parsley, sage, thyme, 1 teaspoon pepper, the paprika and cloves until combined. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the butter, then rub the rest under the turkey skin on the breasts and legs. Rub 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter on the skin; chill and save the rest for your gravy. Let the turkey stand 30 minutes at room temperature before roasting.
Put the oven rack in the lowest position; preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan, tucking the wing tips under. Tie the drumsticks together with twine. Roast until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes per pound. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 30 minutes before carving. Whisk the reserved 2 tablespoons flavored butter into your gravy just before serving, if desired.
Photograph by Yunhee Kim

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	2485.95 Kcal (10408 kJ)
Calories from fat	1775.38 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	197.26g	303%
Cholesterol	846.43mg	282%
Sodium	4643.47mg	193%
Potassium	2601.89mg	55%
Total Carbs	52.53g	18%
Sugars	8.07g	32%
Dietary Fiber	2.23g	9%
Protein	125.48g	251%
Vitamin C	12.1mg	20%
Vitamin A	2.3mg	76%
Iron	18.1mg	100%
Calcium	157mg	16%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	268.14 Kcal (1123 kJ)
Calories from fat	191.49 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	21.28g	303%
Cholesterol	91.3mg	282%
Sodium	500.85mg	193%
Potassium	280.64mg	55%
Total Carbs	5.67g	18%
Sugars	0.87g	32%
Dietary Fiber	0.24g	9%
Protein	13.53g	251%
Vitamin C	1.3mg	20%
Vitamin A	0.2mg	76%
Iron	2mg	100%
Calcium	16.9mg	16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

salty
savory
bitter
sweet

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