Ultimate Comfort Food: Turkey Dumplings Recipe

Turkey dumplings are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting family meal. This recipe elevates leftover turkey into a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Forget dry, bland dumplings – this recipe delivers light, fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth, all nestled in a rich, savory gravy. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delightful dish.

## What Makes This Turkey Dumplings Recipe Special?

There are countless dumpling recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

* **Flavorful Gravy:** The gravy is the heart of this dish, and this recipe uses a combination of turkey stock, herbs, and aromatics to create a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
* **Light and Fluffy Dumplings:** The secret to perfect dumplings lies in the right ingredients and technique. This recipe uses a combination of flour, baking powder, and milk to create light and airy dumplings that are never heavy or doughy.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is a great way to use leftover turkey, but you can also use shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken if you don’t have turkey on hand. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking.
* **Comforting:** Nothing beats a warm bowl of turkey dumplings on a cold day. This dish is the ultimate comfort food and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and prevent you from running to the store mid-recipe.

### For the Gravy:

* **2 tablespoons butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Provides a savory base for the gravy.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Adds sweetness and texture to the gravy.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Contributes to the aromatic complexity of the gravy.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Adds a classic savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried sage:** Enhances the herbal notes.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** Thickens the gravy.
* **4 cups turkey stock:** Provides the base liquid for the gravy (chicken stock can be substituted).
* **1 cup cooked turkey, shredded:** The star of the show!
* **1/2 cup frozen peas (optional):** Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional):** Garnishes the dish and adds freshness.
* **Salt to taste:** Adjust seasoning as needed.

### For the Dumplings:

* **1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour:** The base of the dumplings.
* **2 teaspoons baking powder:** Creates light and fluffy dumplings.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
* **3/4 cup milk:** Binds the ingredients together.
* **2 tablespoons butter, melted:** Adds richness and tenderness to the dumplings.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect turkey dumplings.

### Making the Gravy:

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add Herbs and Spices:** Stir in the dried thyme, dried sage, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance.
3. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
4. **Whisk in the Turkey Stock:** Gradually whisk in the turkey stock, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. **Simmer the Gravy:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Add the Turkey and Peas:** Stir in the shredded turkey and frozen peas (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the peas are tender.
7. **Season to Taste:** Season the gravy with salt to taste. Remember that the turkey stock may already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

### Making the Dumplings:

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. A few lumps are okay.
3. **Drop Dumplings into Gravy:** Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering gravy, spacing them evenly apart. You should be able to fit about 6-8 dumplings in the pot at a time. Use two spoons to shape the dumplings if needed.
4. **Cover and Simmer:** Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy. Do not lift the lid during this time, as this will prevent the dumplings from cooking properly.
5. **Check for Doneness:** To check if the dumplings are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready. If not, continue to simmer for a few more minutes.

### Serving:

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the turkey dumplings (if using).
2. **Serve Hot:** Serve the turkey dumplings hot, straight from the pot.

## Tips for Perfect Turkey Dumplings

* **Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Batter:** Overmixing the dumpling batter will result in tough, dense dumplings. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
* **Don’t Lift the Lid While Simmering:** Lifting the lid while the dumplings are simmering will release the steam and prevent the dumplings from cooking properly. Keep the lid on tight for the entire cooking time.
* **Use Cold Milk:** Cold milk helps to create a lighter, more tender dumpling.
* **Melted Butter is Key:** Melted butter adds richness and tenderness to the dumplings. Don’t skip this ingredient!
* **Adjust the Consistency of the Gravy:** If the gravy is too thick, add a little more turkey stock. If it’s too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the gravy, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** For uniformly sized dumplings, use a cookie scoop to drop the batter into the gravy.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Dumplings:** Use shredded chicken instead of turkey.
* **Vegetarian Dumplings:** Omit the turkey and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey stock.
* **Herb Dumplings:** Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, to the dumpling batter.
* **Cheese Dumplings:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the dumpling batter.
* **Bisquick Dumplings:** For a quicker and easier version, use Bisquick baking mix instead of making the dumplings from scratch. Follow the instructions on the Bisquick box for making dumplings.
* **Gluten-Free Dumplings:** Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the dumplings. You may need to add a little more liquid to the batter to achieve the desired consistency.

## Serving Suggestions

Turkey dumplings are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side dish or two to round out the meal.

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy turkey dumplings.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey dumplings.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to the meal.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the dumplings, simply reheat the gravy and follow the instructions for making and cooking the dumplings. The dumplings are best when made fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients for the dumplings ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover turkey dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

## Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

**Turkey Dumplings Recipe**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

**For the Gravy:**

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups turkey stock
* 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
* 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* Salt to taste

**For the Dumplings:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted

**Instructions:**

**Make the Gravy:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the thyme, sage, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the turkey stock. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the turkey and peas (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt to taste.

**Make the Dumplings:**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering gravy, spacing them evenly apart.
4. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. Do not lift the lid during this time.
5. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a dumpling. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready.

**Serve:**

1. Garnish with parsley (if using).
2. Serve hot.

**Enjoy your delicious and comforting Turkey Dumplings!**

## Conclusion

Turkey dumplings are a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or cooking up a batch from scratch, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of turkey dumplings! Bon appétit!