Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is a warm and inviting dish that captures the essence of comfort food. This hearty stew combines the rich flavors of succulent roast turkey with tender dumplings, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The aroma of simmering herbs fills the kitchen, beckoning friends and family to gather around the table. It’s the ultimate dish for those chilly evenings when you need something nutritious and satisfying. Worth making, this stew not only showcases leftover turkey but also creates a delightful meal that will leave your loved ones asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew so special? First, the easy preparation means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. It’s family-friendly, making it a perfect choice for everyone, from kids to adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or embracing traditional cooking, this recipe caters to both with its simple yet delicious ingredients. It requires minimal ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and hassle-free, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.
Ingredients
For this delectable stew, you will need:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups rich roast turkey stock (homemade preferably or store-bought)
- 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 at an angle
- 4 cloves garlic, run through a garlic press or finely chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into large bite-sized 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
- scant 1/16 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed very small
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold milk for thickening
- 1/8 teaspoon regular table salt (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
To create your Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew, start by taking a large stock pot and adding in the chicken broth alongside the turkey stock. Next, heat water in the microwave until boiling, mixing in the chicken base until fully dissolved, and pour this into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, toss in your remaining soup ingredients, making sure to leave out the turkey and dumpling components for now. Allow the mixture to boil gently for about 10 minutes, until the veggies have softened.
For the dumplings, whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Then, cut the cold butter into tiny pieces, mixing it in until the mixture turns crumbly. Stir in the milk until everything is moistened.
Once your broth is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth using two teaspoons. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings cook over low heat for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After the dumpling cooking time is up, lower the heat further, add in the turkey gently, and return to a low simmer. To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch with cold milk, drizzling this mixture into the pot, allowing it to simmer for an additional minute until just thickened. Taste your stew and adjust the salt if needed. Finally, ladle into bowls and serve hot to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
For a bit of extra flavor, consider tossing in a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish. You can also experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or sage for a unique twist. If you prefer a thicker stew, simply adjust the cornstarch mixture to achieve your desired consistency.
Should you have any veggies on hand that need using up, feel free to add them in; peas, green beans, or even corn can be great additions. Before serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate the visual appeal and provide a pop of color to your dish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dunking. Try serving it alongside a simple mixed green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a comforting dessert to follow, consider a warm apple crumble or a slice of pumpkin pie; the classic flavors will round out your meal beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is packed with nutrition, combining the lean protein from turkey with a variety of vegetable goodness. The dumplings provide a satisfying addition, making this dish balanced and fulfilling. On average, this stew may contain approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the quantities used. Keep in mind that you can adjust any ingredients to suit dietary preferences or needs.
Storing Tips & Variations for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of broth or water to thin it out as the dumplings tend to absorb liquid. This stew can also be frozen for up to two months; however, the dumplings may lose some of their texture upon reheating.
For healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat flour for the dumplings or increasing the vegetable content for added fiber. You can also experiment with adding different proteins, such as chicken or a plant-based substitute, to cater to dietary preferences.
Conclusion for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Don’t wait any longer; dive into the comforting world of Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew today! This delightful dish brings warmth and joy to your dining table, making it a must-try for anyone looking to savor delicious, home-cooked meals.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought turkey stock for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade stock adds richness, quality store-bought turkey stock can save time and still produce a delicious result.
2. How can I make this stew vegetarian-friendly?
You can swap out the turkey and chicken stock for vegetable broth and omit the turkey. Using hearty vegetables like mushrooms or butternut squash can add depth.
3. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
The dumplings are best made fresh, but if you prefer, you can prepare the dry ingredients and store them for a quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.
4. How do I know when the dumplings are cooked thoroughly?
The dumplings should be soft and fluffy. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean when they are fully cooked.
5. Can I use other herbs in this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the herbs based on your personal preferences. Options like dill, oregano, or marjoram can all add wonderful flavors to this dish.
Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew
Ingredients
Stew Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups rich roast turkey stock (homemade preferably or store-bought)
- 1.5 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 at an angle
- 4 cloves garlic, run through a garlic press or finely chopped
- 0.75 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into large bite-sized pieces
Dumpling Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.125 teaspoon ground rosemary
- 0.125 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 0.0625 teaspoon onion powder scant 1/16 teaspoon
- 1.5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed very small
- 0.5 cup cold milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold milk for thickening
- 0.125 teaspoon regular table salt (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large stock pot, add chicken broth and turkey stock.
- Heat water in the microwave until boiling, then mix in the chicken base until fully dissolved, and pour this into the pot.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Add the remaining soup ingredients (except turkey and dumplings) into the pot and boil gently for about 10 minutes, until the veggies have softened.
Preparing Dumplings
- Whisk together the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a medium bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into tiny pieces and mix until the mixture turns crumbly.
- Stir in the milk until everything is moistened.
Cooking Stew
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the boiling broth using two teaspoons.
- Cover tightly and let the dumplings cook over low heat for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After 15 minutes, lower the heat further and add in the turkey gently, returning to a low simmer.
- To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch with cold milk, drizzling this mixture into the pot, allowing it to simmer for an additional minute until just thickened.
- Taste the stew and adjust the salt if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot to enjoy!
