Hearty Turkey Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings warmth and comfort, look no further than this Hearty Turkey Stew. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a hug on those chilly nights when you want something filling and delicious. I love making this stew with leftover turkey because it’s not only a fantastic way to reduce waste, but it also transforms simple ingredients into a soul-soothing feast for your family.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over for dinner. The rich flavors develop beautifully as it cooks, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or just a quiet evening at home. Trust me, once you taste this Hearty Turkey Stew, it will become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this stew comes together effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: It’s packed with wholesome veggies and tender turkey, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this stew ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day!
• Nourishing Flavor: The combination of herbs and hearty vegetables creates a comforting flavor that warms the soul.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A wonderful way to use up leftover turkey or chicken while enjoying a new dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Hearty Turkey Stew is easy-peasy! You’ll find that these wholesome items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Stew

• 1 tbsp butter
• 100g/4-5 strips bacon lardons or thick cut bacon (sliced)
• 1 leek
• 2 carrots (cut into large pieces)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 2 tbsp flour, heaped
• 1 litre/4 cups chicken stock (or turkey stock)
• 250g/2 cups cooked turkey or chicken
• 2 large potatoes (cut into large pieces)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 80ml/1/3 cup double/heavy cream (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Hearty Turkey Stew is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: If you don’t have turkey, feel free to use shredded chicken or even beef for a different twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some peas, green beans, or spinach to pack in even more nutrition and color.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with rosemary or oregano if thyme isn’t your favorite; they both add lovely flavors.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a little kick!

How to Make Hearty Turkey Stew

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch Oven over medium heat, cook the bacon in 1 tablespoon of butter. If you’re using fatty bacon, feel free to omit the butter. It’s all about getting that crispy goodness without unnecessary grease! Once it’s sizzling and golden brown, remove excess fat but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add sliced leeks, carrots, celery, and thyme to the pot. Cooking these ingredients for about five minutes over medium-low heat allows their natural sweetness to emerge. When they start softening up, toss in the pressed garlic and let that cook for another minute—this will really enhance the aroma!

Step 3: Create the Base

Next up, sprinkle in two heaped tablespoons of flour and stir everything together. This step is crucial as it helps thicken our stew later on! Slowly pour in your stock while scraping down any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those little bits bring lots of flavor. Bring everything to a gentle boil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Turkey

Now it’s time to add those chunky potatoes along with your cooked turkey and bay leaves. Cooking uncovered in a preheated oven at 180C/350F gives our stew time to meld together into something magical over about 45 minutes.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

When your stew is bubbling away and smelling divine, stir in that optional double/heavy cream if you’re feeling indulgent! A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that makes everything shine.

And there you have it—your very own Hearty Turkey Stew ready to be enjoyed! This dish is not just food; it’s love served warm in a bowl. Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Turkey Stew

Creating the perfect hearty turkey stew is all about those little details that bring out the best flavors. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor, ensuring your stew is vibrant and delicious.
• Sear the turkey: If you have raw turkey, consider searing it before adding to the pot. This step adds depth and richness to your stew.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste as you go. This way, you can control the seasoning and avoid over-salting.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let your stew sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Freeze leftovers: If you have extra stew, portion it out and freeze for an easy meal later. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

How to Serve Hearty Turkey Stew

Serving your hearty turkey stew can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest enhances the flavors with a hint of brightness without overwhelming the dish.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a flavorful kick that complements the rich stew.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of stew, a warm loaf of crusty bread is an excellent addition to your meal.
• Green salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with turkey stew’s rich base.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your stew over fluffy rice or quinoa can make it even more filling while adding another layer of texture.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress everyone at your table with this comforting bowl of hearty turkey stew! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This hearty turkey stew is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes better the next day as flavors meld together, but it also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. You can easily store leftovers or freeze portions for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the stew cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help.

Can I use a different type of meat in this Hearty Turkey Stew?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with turkey, you can substitute chicken or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Hearty Turkey Stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal!

How long does Hearty Turkey Stew last in the fridge?

When stored properly, your hearty turkey stew will last for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Can I omit the cream from Hearty Turkey Stew?

Yes! The cream adds richness but is entirely optional. You can enjoy this hearty turkey stew without it while still experiencing its delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this hearty turkey stew! It’s truly a dish that brings warmth and comfort on chilly nights. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every spoonful and don’t hesitate to share your creation with family and friends—after all, good food is meant to be shared!

---

Dinner