Cajun-Spiced Turkey

Ingredients

• 1 12-14-pound turkey
• patted dry
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cup Cajun Spice Mix
• 1 celery stalk
• coarsely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper
• coarsely chopped
• 1 medium onion
• coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup (or more) olive or vegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Set a rack inside a large heavy roasting pan.

2. 2

   Season turkey lightly inside and out with salt and pepper, then with spice mix, massaging it into the skin.

3. 3

   Transfer turkey, breast side down, to prepared pan and refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.

4. 4

   Remove turkey from refrigerator; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

5. 5

   Preheat oven to 375°F.

6. 6

   Mix celery, pepper, and onion in a medium bowl.

7. 7

   Fill turkey cavities with vegetable mixture, scattering any remaining vegetables over bottom of roasting pan.

8. 8

   Brush turkey with oil.

9. 9

   Roast turkey, basting occasionally, for 1 hour.

10. 10

    Using paper towels, flip turkey.

11. 11

    Roast, basting occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 1-1 1/2 hours longer.

12. 12

    Transfer to a platter.

13. 13

    Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.