As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty stew. This Roast Turkey and Herbed Dumpling Stew is a delicious way to use up leftover roast turkey, combining tender meat with a medley of vegetables and flavorful herbed dumplings. Rich and satisfying, this stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner or any occasion where comfort food is on the menu. The homemade broth and tender dumplings make this dish a standout, delivering layers of flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups rich roast turkey stock (preferably homemade, but store-bought turkey or chicken stock works too)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 (16 oz.) package of baby carrots, cut into chunky pieces
- 4 ribs celery, sliced fairly thick at an angle
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, or to taste
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only), or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4-5 cups leftover roast turkey, pulled into large bite-sized pieces (or substitute with roast or rotisserie chicken)
For the Herbed 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
To Thicken the Stew:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- *Optional: 1/8 teaspoon regular table salt (for seasoning after tasting)
Instructions
Prepare the Stew:
- Start the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, turkey stock, boiling water, and Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon base.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir in the thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the Turkey: Stir in the pulled turkey pieces and the tablespoon of butter. Keep the stew simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend and develop.
Make the Herbed Dumplings:
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley, ground rosemary, poultry seasoning, and onion powder. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the cold milk and gently stir until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Form the Dumplings: Using a spoon or your hands, form small dumplings (about the size of a tablespoon) from the dough.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Add to the Stew: Drop the dumplings into the simmering stew, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is necessary for the dumplings to cook properly.
Thicken the Stew:
- Create the Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold milk until smooth.
- Thicken the Stew: Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew to thicken it. Continue to simmer the stew, uncovered, for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and add the optional 1/8 teaspoon of regular table salt if needed.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a few of the fluffy herbed dumplings. Serve hot, with crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty dish.
Conclusion
This Roast Turkey and Herbed Dumpling Stew is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together the best of savory turkey, tender vegetables, and perfectly seasoned dumplings. The rich broth and subtle herbs create a flavorful base that complements the heartiness of the dish, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or a special occasion meal. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.