This Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for using up leftover turkey from the holidays. The rich, savory broth is packed with tender chunks of turkey, hearty vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs that infuse every spoonful with warmth and depth. But the real star of the show? The light, fluffy dumplings, which soak up all the delicious flavors, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a way to repurpose holiday leftovers or simply craving a wholesome, hearty meal, this stew is a winner. It’s easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and sure to bring back memories of home-cooked meals from childhood. Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Stew:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups rich roast turkey stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 (16 oz.) bag baby carrots, sliced chunky
- 4 ribs celery, thickly sliced at an angle
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¾ tsp coarse ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme leaves)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4-5 cups cooked roast turkey, pulled into bite-sized pieces (or substitute rotisserie chicken)
- For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried parsley
- ⅛ tsp ground rosemary
- ⅛ tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/16 tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold milk
- For Thickening the Stew:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold milk
- ⅛ tsp table salt (optional, for seasoning)
Directions:
- In a large stockpot, combine chicken broth and turkey stock. Heat water in the microwave until boiling and dissolve the chicken base in it, then add to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, black pepper, and butter. Reduce heat slightly and let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- While the vegetables cook, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, then stir in milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- When the vegetables are tender, use two teaspoons to drop small spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the boiling broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the lid, reduce heat to low, and gently fold in the turkey meat. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold milk, then slowly drizzle into the stew while stirring. Simmer for another minute until thickened.
- Taste and add additional salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 5-6 servings
Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew: A Hearty Comfort Meal
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start falling, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade stew. One dish that embodies coziness and nostalgia is Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew. This dish is not only a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays, but it’s also a meal that brings families together, filling the kitchen with the aroma of rich broth, tender meat, and fluffy dumplings infused with fragrant herbs. Whether you grew up eating dumpling stew or are new to this classic recipe, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, home-cooked meals.
The History of Dumpling Stews
Dumplings have a long and rich culinary history that spans various cultures around the world. From Chinese soup dumplings to Italian gnocchi, dumplings have always been a staple in many cuisines, valued for their versatility and ability to turn simple ingredients into a hearty meal. In American cooking, particularly in Southern and Midwestern traditions, dumpling-based stews became popular as an economical and filling way to feed large families.
The version we know today soft, pillowy dumplings simmered in a flavorful broth has its roots in European cooking, brought to America by immigrants who adapted their old-world recipes to use local ingredients. Over time, different regions in the United States developed their own variations of dumpling stew, using everything from chicken and beef to turkey, especially after the holiday season.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Leftover Turkey
One of the best things about this Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew is that it provides a delicious and creative way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. Instead of making traditional turkey sandwiches or casseroles, this stew transforms leftover turkey into a completely new dish with its own unique flavors and textures.
The combination of savory turkey, aromatic vegetables, and light-as-air dumplings makes this meal feel special, even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare. By using pre-cooked turkey, this dish comes together in a fraction of the time it would take to make a traditional chicken and dumpling stew from scratch.
Another advantage is that this dish allows you to stretch a relatively small amount of turkey to feed a family. The dumplings bulk up the stew, making it satisfying and filling without requiring a lot of meat. For those looking for an economical, hearty meal that makes the most of their leftovers, this is the perfect recipe.
The Secret to Light and Fluffy Dumplings
The dumplings are the highlight of this dish, offering a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors of the broth. However, achieving the perfect dumpling requires a few key techniques:
- Use Cold Ingredients – Just like making biscuits, using cold butter and milk helps create a tender dumpling. The small pieces of butter melt as they cook, giving the dumplings a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overworking the dough can make dumplings dense and chewy. A gentle mix until just combined is all that’s needed.
- Cook with the Lid On – A common mistake is lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking. Keeping the lid on traps steam, helping the dumplings cook evenly and rise properly.
- Drop Small Spoonfuls into the Broth – Instead of making large dumplings, dropping smaller portions ensures they cook evenly and absorb more of the flavorful broth.
Customizing the Stew to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of this stew is how adaptable it is. While the base recipe calls for turkey, you can easily substitute chicken, duck, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Broth Variations:
- If you have homemade turkey stock, it will elevate the dish to a new level. However, store-bought chicken or turkey broth works just as well.
- Adding a splash of white wine to the broth can enhance its depth of flavor.
- For a creamier stew, you can add a bit of heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking.
Vegetable Additions:
- This recipe traditionally includes carrots, onions, and celery, but you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, green beans, or even diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can give the stew a subtle kick.
Dumpling Variations:
- Some people like to add cheese or a hint of nutmeg to their dumpling dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Instead of drop dumplings, you can roll out the dough and cut it into strips to create a more “noodle-like” texture, similar to Southern-style chicken and dumplings.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This stew is a standalone meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more special. Here are some serving ideas:
- Crusty Bread – A warm, crusty baguette or buttermilk biscuits are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Fresh Salad – A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the stew.
- Roasted Vegetables – If you want to add more veggies to your meal, roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes pair beautifully with this dish.
- Pickles or Relish – The acidity of pickled vegetables or cranberry relish can provide a bright contrast to the creamy stew.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This stew is excellent for meal prepping because it stores and reheats well. Here are some tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a little extra stock when reheating.
- Freezing: While the turkey stew itself freezes well, the dumplings can become slightly mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider making the dumplings fresh when you reheat the stew.
- Reheating: Warm the stew over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Conclusion:
There’s something incredibly special about Roast Turkey & Herbed Dumpling Stew it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, yet simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or just craving a warm, hearty meal, this stew delivers on all fronts.
The combination of tender turkey, rich broth, and herb-infused dumplings creates a meal that warms both the body and soul. It’s a dish that brings families together, reminds us of childhood comfort food, and proves that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most satisfying.