Comforting Turkey Stew with Leftover Magic

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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!