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ROAST TURKEY RUB 
This recipe has been in my family for many years and it was used by my Italian Mom and Grandparents, and now by myself. It's really quite unique and you will love it!

1/2 lb lean salt pork
5 large cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh parsley
2-3 tablespoons fresh celery leaves
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes
3-4 fresh sage leaves

You will need a heavy cleaver and a large cutting board for this preparation. Alternatively, a meat chopper or food processor may also be used to mince all ingredients to a spreadable paste.

For ease of preparation, purchase salt pork which has already been sliced into strips. Otherwise, cut the salt pork into strips yourself. Next, cut across the strips and continue to cut into smaller cubes until salt pork pieces are about 1/8 inch.

Peel garlic cloves. Mash with the side of the cleaver and add to salt pork. Sprinkle salt pork with salt. Begin to chop with cleaver, scooping edges into the center and turning over the mass. Remove stems from parsley and sage; toss over top along with the celery leaves and hot pepper. Continue to chop until all of the pork is evenly chopped and has become a fine paste.

Use this as a rub for roast turkey, placing small amounts under the skin of the breast for extra moistness. Pile a small amount over the top to melt down during the roasting, which will make for a self-basting turkey. Sprinkle the turkey lightly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and paprika before roasting, if desired.

The drippings remaining at the bottom of the pan after the turkey is roasted will make for the most flavorful gravy ever!

This salt pork preparation can also be sautéed as a starter for side dishes, such as pan fried mushrooms, spinach, green beans, stock or soup. It will add wonderful flavor to your next chicken, pork or beef roast, too! When using for dishes other than roast turkey, you may choose to omit the sage.

When I was about 10 years old, my mother would hand me a cleaver and sit me in a corner with salt pork and all the ingredients and tell me to keep chopping until it was a smooth paste. I would stop and ask if it was ready yet and she would send me back with an admonition to "chop a little more".

Submitted by: CM

recipe reviews
Roast Turkey Rub
 #50183
 Jeff (Quebec) says:
I used this on chicken last weekend and the chicken was THE BEST! Can't wait to use this on my next turkey.
   #52781
 Troy (Washington) says:
Every one loved the turkey. the white meat was so moist and tender. Best turkey I have ever made.
   #52874
 Josh (Florida) says:
I've used this on 3 turkeys, the last of which is in the oven right now. It really helps the white meat to stay moist and everyone absolutely loves the flavor. I like to put a large amount under the skin though, it makes for an unholy union of pork and turkey flavor. Awesome!
   #52876
 Ronda Reed (Texas) says:
I used this recipe for my Thanksgiving turkey breast. It was great! My husband tasted it while he was carving the turkey and loved it. He doesn't even eat turkey, because it is usually too dry. It was very moist and had a wonderful flavor. I have told several family members about the recipe and will definitely use it again.
   #84344
 Sara (California) says:
This is such a unique way to make turkey extra flavorful. The only place I have ever seen this recipe is on this site. Thank you so much for sharing this cooking technique. I used it for my turkey last Thanksgiving and will never make turkey any other way again.
   #115183
 Kathy (Ohio) says:
Very good. Has become our family tradition!
   #133885
 Robley (Pennsylvania) says:
Has anyone used bacon instead of the salt pork????? It is 7 times AWESOME!!!!
   #135490
 Ivanete Burgin (United Kingdom) says:
Delicious, no fuss turkey, congratulations! Will cook that at Christmas.
   #146265
 Anita (United States) says:
I've been looking for a similar recipe to this that I've lost... you use most of the same ingredients just a lot more of it... get the salt pork ground up tho... rub on top and inside turkey... bake... and shred it when done with juices ... perfect for gatherings and potlucks!!
   #160877
 Amy (Nebraska) says:
Everyone at my Thanksgiving table loved the turkey. This rub was so easy to make and apply to the turkey. It's going to be the way I prep turkeys from now on.
 #169067
 Corey Cash (North Carolina) says:
Will try it on my next turkey have used smoked bacon on turkey.
 #174084
 Angela Welbourne (Canada) says:
This sounds wonderful CM. I really enjoy all your recipes. I use salt pork in many dishes and will definitely try this for our next turkey.
 #190951
 Cooks.com replies:
Hi Angela,

I'm happy to hear you liked this recipe. It's a long time favorite of mine, too. I also use it on chicken and as a starter for greens sometimes, too. Thanks for letting me know!

-- CM
   #176733
 Chrissy (Texas) says:
If you're in charge of the Thanksgiving turkey, give this recipe a shot - you will not be let down! After many tries with different techniques, I finally found this recipe and its a game changer. I host every year and roast a turkey for a mixed group of around 30 people (kids and grownups). EVERYONE loves it!
   #190952
 Marietta (New York) says:
I really enjoyed this recipe! It was easy to prepare and the roast turkey came out so flavorful. The gravy was also delicious. My mom is Italian, but we don't have a lot of traditions, so this was a nice way for me to learn something new.

 

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