Swede Dish Cardamom–Citrus Lingonberry Turkey
Description
This modern Swedish-American holiday turkey is dry-brined overnight for crisp, golden skin and incredibly juicy meat. A fragrant butter rub of fresh dill, thyme, orange and lemon zest, and a touch of cardamom gives the bird its unmistakable Swede Dish flavor — cozy, bright, and deeply aromatic.
Stuffed simply with orange, onions, garlic, and herbs, the turkey roasts over a bed of root vegetables and finishes with a glossy lingonberry–white wine pan sauce that brings the perfect balance of savory and tart Scandinavian brightness.
A beautiful, modern twist on a Thanksgiving classic — festive, elegant, and unmistakably Swede Dish.
Ingredients
Dry Brine (Night Before)
Herb Butter Rub
Aromatic Cavity Stuffing
For the Roasting Pan
Lingonberry Pan Sauce
Instructions
1. Dry Brine (Night Before)
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Pat turkey dry.
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Sprinkle salt, white pepper, and cardamom evenly over the turkey (under the skin if possible).
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Place the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to dry-brine and crisp the skin.
2. Apply the Herb Butter
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Mix all herb butter ingredients.
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Rub under the skin of the breasts and thighs.
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Rub remaining butter over the outside of the bird.
3. Stuff the Turkey
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Fill the cavity with:
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Orange
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Onion
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Garlic
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Fresh thyme + dill
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Optional bay leaves
4. Prepare Roasting Pan
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Scatter chopped onions, celery, and carrots in the bottom.
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Place turkey breast-side up on a rack (or on the vegetables).
5. Roast
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325°F
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13–15 minutes per pound
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Roast until thigh reaches 165°F.
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Baste every 45 minutes.
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Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Make Lingonberry Pan Sauce
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Add drippings + white wine to a saucepan.
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Simmer and reduce by half.
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Whisk in lingonberry jam + mustard.
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Add salt + pepper to taste.
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Optional: swirl in cream or butter for richness.
Note
Swede Dish Finishing Touches
- Garnish platter with fresh dill, thyme, and orange slices.
- Serve with lingonberry pan sauce on the side.
- Add a touch of orange zest over carved turkey for brightness.
Notes
- Dry brined for maximum juiciness + crisp skin.
- Cardamom + citrus make this distinctly Nordic.
- Bay leaf + dill + white pepper add a clean, herbal Scandinavian profile.
- Pairs beautifully with:
- Brown Butter Dill Carrots
- Cloudberry & Apple Stuffing
- Lingonberry Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Shallot Brussels
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