Cooking is a wonderful blend of creativity and science, and there’s something truly satisfying about crafting a delicious meal from scratch. In this guide, we’re diving into the process of making a savory turkey and potato stew. Bursting with flavors, this hearty dish is a delightful way to make the most of your leftover turkey. We’ll walk you through the ingredients you’ll need and provide a clear, easy-to-follow set of step-by-step instructions. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s take a moment to appreciate the medley of ingredients that will come together to create our scrumptious turkey and potato stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 lb (450 g) leftover turkey, diced
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1 lb (450 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock
- ½ cup (100 ml) half and half (single cream)
- 2 cups (75 g) kale, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Our dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas. The tender turkey, paired with the hearty potatoes and vibrant kale, creates a comforting stew that warms the soul. The Italian seasoning and red chili flakes add a touch of warmth and depth, making this dish perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 7-8 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning mix, and red chili flakes. Allow them to cook for another minute, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Introduce the Turkey: Gently fold in the leftover diced turkey, ensuring the flavors meld together. Stirring occasionally, let them harmonize for a few minutes.
- Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle the plain flour over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated. This will help thicken the stew and create a luscious texture.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Stock: Introduce the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken stock. Give everything a thorough mix, then bring it to a gentle boil.Lower the heat and let the stew simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become fork-tender and absorb the delightful flavors.
- Creamy Indulgence: Stir in the half and half (single cream) to add a luxurious creaminess to the stew. The velvety texture will elevate every spoonful.
- Kale’s Green Goodness: Finally, add the roughly chopped kale to the pot. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, just until it wilts. This vibrant addition brings a pop of color and a healthy crunch.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Serve the hot and comforting dish in bowls, ready to be savored.
Creamy Leftover Turkey Stew
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey? A: Absolutely! While this recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey, you can certainly use fresh turkey as well. Just make sure to cook the turkey until it’s fully done before proceeding with the recipe.
Q: Can I substitute kale with another green? A: Of course! If kale isn’t your preferred green, you can swap it out for spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Choose your favorite and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian? A: Definitely! You can omit the turkey and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a delicious vegetarian version of the stew.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: What can I serve with this stew? A: This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad. The combination of the warm stew and a fresh accompaniment is truly delightful.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level? A: Certainly! If you prefer a milder stew, you can reduce or omit the red chili flakes. Conversely, if you love a fiery kick, feel free to add a bit more according to your taste.
Cooking is an art that allows us to explore flavors, experiment with ingredients, and create dishes that bring joy to our lives. This step-by-step guide has taken you through the process of crafting a delectable turkey and potato stew. From sautéing aromatics to folding in leftover turkey and adding a touch of creaminess, each step is a journey toward a heartwarming meal that will be cherished by all who taste it. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let your culinary creativity shine as you prepare this comforting dish. Bon appétit!
FAQs
If the turkey is dry, sitting in the moist gravy will help to rehydrate it. Serving more sauce on the side also helps to add moisture.
How do you thicken turkey stew? ›
Turkey stew can be thickened with cornstarch, like we do in this recipe, or with flour. The heavy cream as well as the starch released when cooking the potatoes will also assist in thickening the stew.
What to do with leftover turkey grease? ›
Dispose of it the Right Way
Pour the grease into a seal-tight container and throw in the waste bin. Some homeowners pour the grease down the drain or even the toilet. This can be catastrophic if the grease solidifies in the septic tank, leading to solid globs that clog the system.
How to reheat leftover turkey without drying it out? ›
Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.
Is leftover turkey good after 7 days? ›
Mar 22, 2023
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
How long will leftover turkey last in refrigerator? ›
How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower.
Is it better to thicken turkey gravy with flour or cornstarch? ›
What's the difference between using cornstarch or flour to make your gravy? Cornstarch does have more thickening power than wheat flour (because it's pure starch, while flour has some protein in it). So usually you need a little less cornstarch than flour for the equivalent thickening power.
How do you thicken creamy stew? ›
The flour helps to thicken a stew as it cooks. Whisk a teaspoon of flour in a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the stew as it's cooking. Don't add dry flour directly to the stew as it may clump. After adding the slurry, bring the stew to boil.
Is it better to thicken beef stew with flour or cornstarch? ›
It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour.
What to do with extra turkey drippings? ›
Whenever you make a Roast Turkey, don't toss the fat and juices that are left behind in the roasting pan. We love using these turkey drippings in gravy to achieve homemade results with minimal effort and no extra dishes needed. This is truly the best turkey gravy recipe around!
A.: You can reuse oil from deep-frying a turkey, provided it was properly stored. According to the National Turkey Federation, after frying, the oil needs to be strained, filtered and cooled. Then put it in a covered container and refrigerate or freeze it so that it won't go rancid.
Why no turkey drippings? ›
Problem: There aren't enough pan drippings to make gravy. Solution: This is a travesty and a result of not basting properly. (This might occur when you're roasting just a breast and not the entire bird.) In other words, don't forget to baste!
How do chefs reheat turkey? ›
How to reheat turkey
- Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
- Carve the turkey breast meat into thin slices and carve the leg meat off the bone. Lay in a roasting tin or gratin dish. ...
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and roast for 30 mins until the turkey is very hot – at least 75C on a cooking thermometer.
When serving your turkey the next day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline advises that cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat your turkey, USDA gives the following recommendations: In the Oven: Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F.
How do you make reheated turkey moist? ›
To not dry out a turkey, you need to add moisture when you reheat the meat. You'll see in our reheating methods that we add homemade gravy, chicken stock or butter to the turkey before heating it up low and slow. This ensures that juices in the turkey won't escape as steam when they're exposed to heat.
How do you moisten a turkey the next day? ›
You don't want the meat to dry out while it sits overnight, so you will need to cover it with a liquid. Spoon some chicken broth or the drippings from the roasting pan (and the cutting board) over the turkey so it stays moist.
What to do with leftover turkey drippings? ›
Whenever you make a Roast Turkey, don't toss the fat and juices that are left behind in the roasting pan. We love using these turkey drippings in gravy to achieve homemade results with minimal effort and no extra dishes needed. This is truly the best turkey gravy recipe around!
How long does dried turkey last? ›
Dehydrating meat is a great way to preserve and store it for up to 30 years when done correctly. Dehydrating meat involves removing water content and achieving a kill step temperature of 165°F is essential to ensure that all harmful bacteria are eliminated.
