Thanksgiving is a time of cherished traditions, and at the heart of this holiday feast often lies the turkey. While the classic roasted turkey is a staple, there's always room to infuse a bit of excitement and unique flavors into this time - honored dish. Enter our smoked turkey recipe with a Mexican mole - inspired rub, a culinary adventure that will surely make your Thanksgiving table stand out.

First, let's talk about the rub. The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of spices that are typically found in a traditional Mexican mole. Mole is a rich, complex sauce that combines the warmth of chocolate with the heat of chili. For our turkey rub, we've gathered cocoa, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder. These spices not only add a depth of flavor but also create a beautiful crust on the turkey when smoked.

The cocoa in the rub is not just for a sweet touch. It brings a rich, almost earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the savory turkey. Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet - spicy note that enhances the overall aroma of the dish. Cumin, with its nutty and slightly bitter undertones, gives the rub a Middle - Eastern and Mexican flair. And of course, the chili powder provides the much - needed kick to wake up your taste buds.

If you're lucky enough to have a smoker, this is the perfect opportunity to use it. Start by preparing your smoker. You'll want to use a good quality wood, such as hickory or applewood, to impart a delicious smoky flavor to the turkey. Preheat the smoker to around 225 - 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow cooking method will ensure that the turkey is moist, tender, and full of flavor.

Before applying the rub, make sure your turkey is completely dry. Pat it down with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, generously apply the rub all over the turkey, getting into all the nooks and crannies. You can even stuff some of the rub under the skin for an extra burst of flavor. Once the turkey is coated, place it in the smoker and let it work its magic. This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the turkey. But trust us, the wait is worth it.

Now, what if you don't have a smoker? Don't worry! You can still enjoy the wonderful flavors of this warm spice combo on a roasted turkey. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and apply the rub as you would for the smoked version. Cover the turkey with foil and roast it for about 2 - 3 hours, depending on the size. Then, remove the foil and let the turkey brown for the last 30 minutes or so. This will give you a crispy, flavorful skin.

As the turkey cooks, the spices will meld together, creating a symphony of flavors. The cocoa will add a hint of sweetness, the cinnamon will bring warmth, the cumin will add complexity, and the chili powder will give a subtle heat. When it's time to carve the turkey, you'll be greeted with a beautiful, golden - brown exterior and juicy, flavorful meat inside.

Pair this turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The unique flavors of the turkey will complement these traditional dishes perfectly. And don't forget to save some of the turkey for leftovers. You can use it to make delicious sandwiches, soups, or casseroles in the days to come.

In conclusion, this smoked turkey recipe with a Mexican mole - inspired rub is a great way to add a new twist to your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you use a smoker or an oven, the combination of cocoa, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder will take your turkey to the next level. So, this holiday season, step out of your comfort zone and give this recipe a try. Your family and friends will thank you for it!