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Why You'll Love This warm slow cooker turkey stew with carrots and parsnips for family suppers
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it's easy to prepare and can be cooked in a slow cooker while you're busy with other things.
- Delicious and Comforting: This stew is made with tender turkey, flavorful carrots and parsnips, and a rich broth that's sure to become a family favorite.
- Customizable: You can customize this recipe to suit your family's tastes by adding or substituting different vegetables, spices, and seasonings.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This stew is great for leftovers because it can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
- Nutritious: This stew is made with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe is budget-friendly because it uses affordable ingredients and can be made in large quantities.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for slow cookers because it can be cooked on low for 6-8 hours, making it easy to prepare and cook while you're busy with other things.
- Family-Friendly: This stew is a great option for families because it's easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the turkey, carrots, parsnips, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The turkey provides lean protein, while the carrots and parsnips add natural sweetness and fiber. The onions and garlic add flavor and depth to the stew, while the chicken broth provides a rich and savory base. When selecting these ingredients, look for fresh and high-quality options. For example, choose carrots and parsnips that are firm and free of bruises, and opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the stew. You can also substitute different ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can use beef or pork instead of turkey, or add other vegetables like potatoes or zucchini.
How to Make warm slow cooker turkey stew with carrots and parsnips for family suppers
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the carrots and parsnips to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Transfer the turkey, carrot, and parsnip mixture to the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and seasonings, and stir to combine.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Tips for Perfect Results
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and nutritious stew.
Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy and unappetizing. Check on them regularly and remove them from the stew when they're tender.
Using low-sodium broth will help control the salt content of the stew and make it healthier.
Adding aromatics like onions and garlic towards the end of cooking will help preserve their flavor and texture.
Letting the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become more tender.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the perfect flavor combination for your family.
Adding other ingredients like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans can make this stew a complete and satisfying one-pot meal.
This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Turkey:
Fix: Check the turkey regularly and remove it from the stew when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Not Browning the Meat:
Fix: Take the time to brown the turkey on all sides before adding it to the stew. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.
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Not Using Fresh Ingredients:
Fix: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
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Not Letting it Rest:
Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become more tender.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the turkey with beef and add sliced mushrooms to the stew for added flavor and texture.
Replace the turkey with additional vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.
Replace the turkey with shrimp, scallops, and fish, and use seafood broth instead of chicken broth.
Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free broth to make the stew gluten-free.
Replace the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut oil and almond milk.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's recommended to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's recommended to store it in an airtight container and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. It's recommended to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Just thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious and delicious as fresh ones, and they're often more convenient and affordable.
How do I reheat the stew?
To reheat the stew, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop and heat it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir the stew occasionally to prevent burning or scorching.
Can I make this recipe in a Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot! Simply brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the broth and seasonings and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. This method is much faster than cooking it in a slow cooker, but it still yields a delicious and tender stew.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as written, because it contains all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative and using gluten-free broth. Just be sure to check the labels of all the ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients to the stew to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Some ideas include diced potatoes, sliced mushrooms, or chopped kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly to ensure the stew turns out delicious and flavorful.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place the stew in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze it. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents, and use it within a few days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the stew reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe for a crowd by multiplying the ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and pot size accordingly to ensure the stew turns out delicious and flavorful. You can also consider making it in a large slow cooker or Instant Pot to feed a bigger crowd.
warm slow cooker turkey stew with carrots and parsnips for family suppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and parsnips, and mince the garlic. Cut the turkey into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat the Oil in the Slow Cooker. Add the olive oil to the slow cooker and heat it on high for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Brown the Turkey. Add the turkey to the slow cooker and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- Step 4: Soften the Onions. Add the chopped onion to the slow cooker and cook until it is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the Carrots and Parsnips. Add the sliced carrots and parsnips to the slow cooker and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Add the Garlic, Broth, and Tomato Paste. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 7: Return the Turkey to the Slow Cooker. Add the browned turkey back to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
- Step 8: Cook the Stew. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- You can also use beef or chicken in place of the turkey if you prefer.
- If using frozen turkey, thaw it first and pat dry with paper towels before using.
- You can adjust the amount of vegetables to your liking, and also add other vegetables such as potatoes or celery.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- You can serve the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
- To make the stew more flavorful, you can add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of dried herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
