Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is a cozy, hearty dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Imagine a rich, aromatic broth brimming with tender chunks of roast turkey, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy herbed dumplings simmering together in perfect harmony. This dish transforms leftover turkey into a delightfully warm stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and brings loved ones together around the table.
You’ll create a comforting dish that captures the heart and soul of homemade cooking in your own kitchen. This Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is worth making for any occasion, bringing satisfaction to both the cook and the guests alike, making it an instant favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about easy prep and satisfying flavors. Perfect for families, it brings everyone to the table for a wholesome meal that feels indulgent but is straightforward to prepare. The ingredients are simple yet effective, ensuring that you can whip up this stew without fuss. Plus, it utilizes leftover roast turkey, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re following a quick or traditional route, this dish adapts to your needs, making it a versatile option to keep on hand.
Ingredients for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Gather the following ingredients to create a pot of warmth and happiness:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups rich roast turkey stock
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 (16 oz.) bag baby carrots, sliced chunky
- 4 ribs celery, fairly thickly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into pieces
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon ground rosemary
- 1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/16 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- 1/8 teaspoon regular table salt
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large stock pot, add the chicken broth and turkey stock. Heat the water with the chicken base until dissolved, then add it to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add all the soup ingredients except for the turkey and dumpling ingredients. Allow this to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the dumpling mix. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, poultry seasoning, and onion powder.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture. Add in the cold milk, mixing until just combined.
- Using teaspoons, drop the dumpling dough into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid – this is crucial for fluffy dumplings.
- After the dumplings have cooked, gently fold in your leftover roast turkey and return the stew to a low simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with the additional cold milk to create a slurry and drizzle it into the simmering stew while stirring gently. Simmer for another minute until the stew thickens nicely.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot for a heartwarming meal.
Tips & Tricks
To enhance your stew, consider adding extra herbs such as rosemary or sage for a deeper flavor profile. You can also swap in different vegetables like green beans or peas for a fresh twist. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped vegetables are great for a quick meal. The leftover turkey can also be seasoned with your favorite spices to further elevate the dish. If you prefer a creamier texture, adding a splash of heavy cream before serving can add a luxurious touch.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair your Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can enhance flavors even more. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider serving it with a side of spicy pickles or jalapeños. A warm, buttery cornbread alongside will provide a delightful balance to the savory stew.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. On average, a serving delivers a good mix of protein from the turkey, fiber from the vegetables, and essential vitamins. Keep in mind that while it is hearty, moderation is key if you’re watching your caloric intake. This stew is a perfect indulgence on colder days, ensuring you feel full and satisfied.
Storing Tips & Variations for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Leftovers store beautifully; simply cool the stew completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen it up if needed. You can also switch turkey for chicken or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your preference.
Conclusion for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Don’t wait too long to try this delightful Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew. Each bite is filled with warmth and goodness, making it a dish that friends and family will remember fondly. Gather your ingredients and prepare to share this comforting meal that brings back cherished memories with each savory spoonful.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover roast turkey?
Absolutely! You can cook fresh turkey breasts in the broth to create a similar flavor profile.
2. Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stew a day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
3. What can I substitute for the milk in the dumplings?
You can use any non-dairy milk alternative if you want to avoid dairy.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
5. Is this stew suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It can be a great meal prep option for busy weeks when you want something hearty and home-cooked.
Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups rich roast turkey stock
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 16 oz bag baby carrots, sliced chunky
- 4 ribs celery, fairly thickly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into pieces
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon ground rosemary
- 1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/16 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- 1/8 teaspoon regular table salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large stock pot, add the chicken broth and turkey stock. Heat the water with the chicken base until dissolved, then add it to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add all the soup ingredients except for the turkey and dumpling ingredients. Allow this to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Making Dumplings
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the dumpling mix. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, poultry seasoning, and onion powder.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture. Add in the cold milk, mixing until just combined.
Cooking the Stew
- Using teaspoons, drop the dumpling dough into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid – this is crucial for fluffy dumplings.
- After the dumplings have cooked, gently fold in your leftover roast turkey and return the stew to a low simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with the additional cold milk to create a slurry and drizzle it into the simmering stew while stirring gently. Simmer for another minute until the stew thickens nicely.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot for a heartwarming meal.
