A Simple Brine

onion thanksgiving celery thyme bon appétit

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

Method

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

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

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.)