Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew

Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew is the perfect dish to transform your holiday leftovers into a warm, comforting meal. This rich and flavorful stew combines tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 2 medium stalks celery
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Use around 1 pound of medium-sized Yukon gold potatoes (equivalent to 2 to 3 potatoes).
  • 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
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley
  • Prepare approximately 3 cups of shredded cooked turkey meat (approximately 1 pound).
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Dice the onion and slice the cremini mushrooms.
    • Peel and chop the carrots, and chop the celery stalks.
    • Mince the garlic.
    • Cut the Yukon gold potatoes into medium-sized chunks.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    • Add the onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the Potatoes and Herbs:
    • Add the potato chunks to the pot.
    • Tie the sage and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add to the pot.
    • Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Simmer the Stew:
    • Pour in 3 cups of the chicken or turkey broth and bring to a boil.
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Thicken the Stew:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of broth with the cornstarch until smooth.
    • Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pot and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the stew thickens.
  6. Add the Wine and Bay Leaf:
    • Stir in the dry white wine and add the bay leaf.
    • Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  7. Finish the Stew:
    • Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf from the pot.
    • Stir in the shredded cooked turkey meat and heavy cream.
    • Cook until the turkey is heated through, about 5 minutes.
  8. Garnish and Serve:
    • Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle over the stew before serving.
    • Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Conclusion

Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew is a delicious way to give new life to your holiday leftovers. The combination of tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth makes this stew a perfect comfort food for cold weather. Enjoy this warm and satisfying meal with your family and friends!