Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is a comforting dish that will warm your heart and your home. Imagine hearty chunks of tender turkey swimming in a rich, savory broth, complemented by fluffy herbed dumplings that soak up the delightful flavors. This dish evokes feelings of warmth and togetherness, making it a wonderful choice for family dinners, especially during the cooler months. It’s the perfect way to use leftover turkey and transform it into a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe that will have you savoring every spoonful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the preparation is a breeze, ensuring even novice cooks can whip it up with confidence. This dish is exceptionally family-friendly, promising to please both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or embracing a traditional family recipe, this stew strikes the perfect balance. Plus, it features minimal ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry, making it a lovely solution for those caught off guard by mealtime.

Ingredients for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew

To create this delicious stew, gather the following ingredients that will engage your senses and tantalize your taste buds:

4 cups chicken broth (for a robust base)
3 cups rich roast turkey stock (homemade or purchased)
1 1/2 cups boiling water (essential for melding flavors)
2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (for an extra flavor boost)
1 large onion, chopped (for sweetness and depth)
1 (16 oz.) bag baby carrots, sliced chunky (for vibrant color and sweetness)
4 ribs celery, fairly thickly sliced (for crunch)
4 cloves garlic, minced (add depth with its aromatic charm)
3/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (for a hint of spice)
3 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only, to infuse warmth)
1 tablespoon butter (for richness)
4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into pieces (the star of the show)
1 cup flour (to create fluffy dumplings)
2 teaspoons baking powder (for leavening)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance flavors)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (to enhance taste)
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (for seasoning)
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (to add herbal notes)
1/8 teaspoon ground rosemary (for an earthy undertone)
1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning (classic flavor twist)
1/16 teaspoon onion powder (for additional sweetness)
1 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (to create a tender dumpling)
1/2 cup cold milk (for moisture)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken your stew)
2 tablespoons cold milk for thickening (ensuring a smooth texture)
1/8 teaspoon regular table salt (optional for extra seasoning)

Step-by-Step Directions

In a large stock pot, add chicken broth and turkey stock. Heat the water to boiling with the chicken base in the microwave and stir until dissolved, then add to the pot. Bring the pot to a boil.
Add the remaining soup ingredients except turkey and dumpling ingredients. Gently boil over medium heat for 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
For the dumplings, whisk the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Cut in small cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in milk until moistened.
Drop dumpling dough into boiling broth by spoonfuls, then cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook without peeking for 15 minutes.
Remove the lid, lower heat, and add turkey, folding in gently. Return to a low simmer.
To thicken the stew, mix cornstarch with cold milk and drizzle it into the simmering stew, stirring gently until thickened. Simmer for 1 minute.
Taste and add salt if desired. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew, here are a few chef’s secrets. Consider adding other seasonal vegetables like green beans or potatoes for a heartier feel. Experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile. For a creamier stew, mix in a splash of cream just before serving. Ensure the dumplings are light and fluffy by not overmixing the ingredients – a gentle touch makes all the difference. Finally, if you have some leftover turkey bones, simmer them into the broth for an extra depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serving Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew can be a delightful presentation affair. Serve it in rustic bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley to add color. Pair this stew with a crunchy side salad featuring seasonal greens, perhaps a simple vinaigrette to brighten the meal. Want to make it even cozier? Crusty, warm bread for dipping is an absolute must. Additionally, consider a lightly chilled white grape juice or sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing balance against the rich stew.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional breakdowns will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a serving of Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew generally contains substantial protein from the turkey, vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and carbohydrates from the dumplings. This comforting meal can help give you the energy you need for a busy day, while still being indulgent and satisfying. If you’re watching your intake, consider reducing the amount of butter used in the dumplings or substituting whole milk with a lighter version.

Storing Tips & Variations for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew

If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this hearty stew), storing it is a breeze! Simply cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the stew, as the dumplings may soak up moisture. To keep things fresh and exciting, try adding different leftover vegetables or grains like quinoa for variation. For a healthier twist, swap out traditional dumplings for whole wheat flour alternatives or explore cauliflower-based dumplings.

Conclusion for Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew

Now that you’ve discovered the comforting flavors and heartwarming nature of Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew, it’s time to try this delectable recipe in your own kitchen. With its simple steps and mouth-watering taste, it’s bound to become a beloved family favorite. Whether you’re making use of leftover turkey or looking to provide warmth on a chilly evening, this delightful stew is calling your name. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and watch the magic happen as you create a meal that not only nourishes but brings everyone together around the table.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for the stew?
Absolutely! You can substitute shredded chicken for the turkey, and you’ll still end up with a fabulous stew.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
A combination of homemade turkey stock and chicken broth provides the best flavor, but store-bought options work well too.
How can I make this recipe a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey and use vegetable broth, along with your choice of protein, such as beans or tofu.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the stew to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer preservation.
Can dumplings be frozen?
You can freeze uncooked dumpling dough, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to an airtight container once frozen. When ready, drop them directly into boiling broth without thawing.

Delicious Roast Turkey with Herbed Dumpling Stew served in a bowl

Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew

A comforting stew featuring tender turkey and fluffy herbed dumplings in a rich broth, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Stew

4 cups chicken broth for a robust base
3 cups rich roast turkey stock homemade or purchased
1.5 cups boiling water essential for melding flavors
2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base for an extra flavor boost
1 large onion, chopped for sweetness and depth
16 oz bag baby carrots, sliced chunky for vibrant color and sweetness
4 ribs celery, fairly thickly sliced for crunch
4 cloves garlic, minced add depth with its aromatic charm
0.75 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper for a hint of spice
3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only, to infuse warmth
1 tablespoon butter for richness
4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into pieces the star of the show

For the Dumplings

1 cup flour to create fluffy dumplings
2 teaspoons baking powder for leavening
0.5 teaspoon sugar to balance flavors
1 teaspoon kosher salt to enhance taste
0.5 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper for seasoning
0.25 teaspoon dried parsley to add herbal notes
0.125 teaspoon ground rosemary for an earthy undertone
0.125 teaspoon poultry seasoning classic flavor twist
0.0625 teaspoon onion powder for additional sweetness
1.5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed to create a tender dumpling
0.5 cup cold milk for moisture

For Thickening

2 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken your stew
2 tablespoons cold milk for thickening ensuring a smooth texture
0.125 teaspoon regular table salt optional for extra seasoning

Instructions

Preparation

In a large stock pot, add chicken broth and turkey stock.
Heat the water to boiling with the chicken base in the microwave and stir until dissolved, then add to the pot.
Bring the pot to a boil.
Add the remaining soup ingredients except turkey and dumpling ingredients.
Gently boil over medium heat for 10 minutes until veggies are tender.

Cooking Dumplings

For the dumplings, whisk the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
Cut in small cubed butter and mix until crumbly.
Stir in milk until moistened.
Drop dumpling dough into boiling broth by spoonfuls, then cover tightly and reduce heat to low.
Cook without peeking for 15 minutes.

Final Steps

Remove the lid, lower heat, and add turkey, folding in gently.
Return to a low simmer.
To thicken the stew, mix cornstarch with cold milk and drizzle it into the simmering stew, stirring gently until thickened.
Simmer for 1 minute.
Taste and add salt if desired.
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

To elevate your stew, consider adding seasonal vegetables like green beans or potatoes. For a creamy stew, mix in a splash of cream just before serving. Avoid overmixing the dumpling ingredients for best texture.

Keyword Comfort Food, Dumplings, Family Dinner, Leftover Turkey, Turkey Stew