Comforting Turkey Stew with Leftover Magic

Introduction

Turn your leftover turkey into a heartwarming and flavorful meal with this comforting turkey stew. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory herbs, and a rich broth, this stew is perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a fantastic way to give new life to holiday leftovers while creating a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Follow these steps to prepare a warm and inviting turkey stew.

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• Small handful fresh sage sprigs
• Small handful fresh thyme sprigs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¾ cup of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 cups shredded cooked turkey meat (about 1 pound)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
   • Dice the yellow onion.
   • Slice the cremini mushrooms.
   • Peel and slice the carrots.
   • Slice the celery stalks.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Dice the Yukon gold potatoes.
   • Tie the sage and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine for easy removal later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Stir in the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Add the Potatoes and Herbs:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes, fresh sage, and thyme sprigs.
   • Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Pour in the dry white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and release any browned bits from the bottom.
   • Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
   • Add 3 cups of the low-sodium chicken or turkey broth and the bay leaf.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
6. Thicken the Stew:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of broth and the cornstarch until smooth.
   • Stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew and simmer for another 5 minutes until the stew thickens.
7. Add Turkey and Finish:
   • Stir in the shredded cooked turkey meat and heavy cream.
   • Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the turkey through and blend the flavors.
   • Remove the tied herbs and bay leaf.
8. Serve:
   • Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this turkey stew with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.

Conclusion

This comforting turkey stew is a delicious and resourceful way to use up leftover turkey. With its rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory herbs, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Enjoy the warm and hearty flavors of this delightful stew and savor every bite of your transformed holiday leftovers!