Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew is a perfect choice for those who are craving a hearty, wholesome, and comforting dish. It combines the tender flavors of turkey with an array of fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying, ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew is a delightful and savory one-pot dish that showcases tender chunks of turkey cooked in a rich, flavorful broth with an assortment of vegetables. The stew is packed with fresh ingredients such as carrots, celery, and onions, and flavored with herbs like rosemary and thyme.

The turkey is often the leftover part of a festive meal, such as after Thanksgiving or Christmas, which is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a new, comforting meal. The dish is not only hearty but is also a great option for a low-fat, protein-rich meal that’s full of vitamins and nutrients.

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To recreate Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Turkey: Use boneless turkey meat (such as leftover roasted turkey), or turkey thighs for more flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and turkey.
• Onions: For a base flavor and aromatic depth.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Celery: Complements the carrots and onions, adding an earthy taste.
• Garlic: Minced, for extra flavor.
• Rosemary: A fragrant herb that infuses the stew with a woodsy aroma.
• Thyme: A complementary herb to the rosemary, giving the stew a mild, earthy flavor.
• Stock or Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth to create the base of the stew. You can also use turkey stock for an even deeper flavor.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they bring acidity and richness to the stew.
• Potatoes: For added bulk and texture.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the stew.

Optional ingredients might include peas, corn, or other vegetables, depending on your preference.

Equipment Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This will be used to cook the stew on the stovetop.
• Wooden Spoon: To stir the ingredients and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Knife and Chopping Board: For prepping vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
• Ladle: To serve the stew.
• Measuring Spoons: For measuring herbs and seasoning.

A slow cooker could also be used if you prefer to let the stew simmer slowly for hours.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew?

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the turkey into chunks if you’re not using leftover turkey.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
3. Add the Garlic and Herbs: Toss in the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme, stirring to combine. Let the garlic cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Turkey: Add the diced turkey to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the turkey to brown slightly.
5. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the tomatoes (if using canned, add them with their juices) and pour in the broth. Add enough broth to cover the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. If you’re adding potatoes, you can include them at this point. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
7. Finish and Serve: Once the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Expert Tips

• Use Leftover Turkey: If you’re making this stew after a big holiday meal, leftover turkey is the perfect choice. The stew will benefit from the turkey’s depth of flavor.
• Add Root Vegetables: For a heartier stew, include root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced chili pepper for a bit of heat.
• Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a slow-cooked stew, you can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a deeply developed flavor.
• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale at the end of the cooking time for added freshness and nutrients.

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew is the perfect comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or fresh meat, this stew offers a warm and filling meal that is ideal for cozy nights or feeding a family.

The blend of tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew is a classic comfort food, hearty and satisfying, perfect for cooler days or when you want to create a healthy yet flavorful dish. However, like any stew, it lends itself wonderfully to variations. Here are some creative twists on Jamie’s original recipe to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or what you have available in your pantry.

1. Spicy Turkey Stew

If you like a bit of heat, why not add some chili peppers or chili flakes to the stew?

You could use fresh red chili for a more vibrant, fruity kick, or go for smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to infuse the stew with a smoky, spicy depth. Adding a dash of hot sauce like Sriracha can also give it a nice tangy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

2. Herb-Infused Turkey Stew

If you’re looking for a more fragrant and aromatic variation, consider adding a variety of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Instead of the typical vegetable base, infuse your broth with these herbs during cooking. For an even fresher take, add chopped parsley or basil just before serving to give the dish a burst of freshness.

3. Coconut Milk Turkey Stew

For a creamy twist on this classic stew, replace part of the stock with coconut milk. This variation gives the stew a rich, velvety texture and a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory turkey. You can also include a few tablespoons of curry paste for an added exotic touch.

4. Root Vegetable Turkey Stew

To make the stew even heartier and more filling, swap out some of the traditional vegetables for root vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or celeriac. These vegetables add a slightly sweet flavor and create a wonderfully robust stew base. You could also add some sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a comforting sweetness.

5. Vegetarian Turkey Stew

For those looking to make a vegetarian version of the dish, simply replace the turkey with plant-based alternatives, such as tempeh, tofu, or seitan. You could also add chickpeas or lentils as a protein substitute, giving the stew the same hearty texture. Swap the turkey stock for vegetable broth and ensure to season the dish well with herbs and spices.

6. Lentil And Turkey Stew

Lentils make an excellent addition to a turkey stew, especially if you want more fiber and a thicker consistency. Red or green lentils cook quickly and break down into the stew to create a more stew-like texture. The lentils also absorb all the flavors, adding a rustic and wholesome element to the dish.

7. Moroccan-Inspired Turkey Stew

Incorporating Moroccan spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric can transform your turkey stew into something bold and aromatic. Add dried apricots or raisins for a touch of sweetness, and finish the stew with a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can also serve this variation with couscous to complement the flavors.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Turkey stew is a perfect dish for leftovers, and with the right storage methods, you can ensure it stays fresh and delicious for later meals. Here’s how you can store your turkey stew effectively:

1. Cool It Down Properly

Before storing, it’s important to cool the stew quickly. Allow it to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge or freezer. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the cooling process by dividing the stew into smaller portions in shallow containers.

2. Store In Airtight Containers

For optimal freshness, store your leftover turkey stew in airtight containers. This helps to prevent air from getting in and causing the food to spoil faster. For added convenience, divide your stew into single-serve portions so you can grab just the right amount when you want it.

3. Refrigeration

Leftover turkey stew will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Always make sure the fridge temperature is set to below 40°F (4°C) to slow down bacterial growth and keep the stew safe to eat.

4. Freezing

If you have more leftovers than you can eat within a few days, freezing is a great option. Turkey stew freezes well and can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to leave a bit of space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw the stew in the fridge overnight before reheating.

5. Reheating Tips

When reheating leftover stew, make sure it’s brought to a boil or heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to consume. Reheat in small batches on the stove for the best texture, or use the microwave if you’re short on time, stirring every few minutes to ensure even heating.

What Goes Well With Turkey Stew?

Turkey stew is a satisfying, one-pot meal that pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

1. Crusty Bread

A fresh, warm loaf of crusty bread is an absolute classic pairing with turkey stew. It’s perfect for dipping into the savory broth, and the crispy texture contrasts wonderfully with the tender vegetables and turkey. You could also go for garlic bread for a flavorful twist.

2. Mashed Potatoes

For an extra comforting meal, serve turkey stew over a bed of mashed potatoes. The creamy, buttery texture of the potatoes absorbs the stew’s rich flavors, creating a luxurious meal. Sweet potato mash would also work wonderfully for a slight sweetness to complement the savory stew.

3. Rice Or Couscous

Stew over a bed of rice or couscous adds some lightness and texture to the meal. Rice, whether white, brown, or wild, soaks up the stew’s juices beautifully, while couscous provides a lighter, fluffier alternative that complements the stew’s hearty nature.

4. Green Vegetables

Pair your turkey stew with a simple green vegetable, such as sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. The slight bitterness of the greens balances the richness of the stew, and they add a pop of color to the dish.

5. Salad

A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, savory stew. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a zesty lemon dressing, or a roasted beetroot salad for added sweetness and earthiness.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s turkey stew is a versatile, comforting dish that can be easily adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With a few simple twists, you can create a stew that’s spicy, herbaceous, creamy, or even vegetarian while maintaining that hearty, satisfying essence.

By storing leftovers properly, you ensure that you can enjoy the stew for days to come. And when it comes to pairing, there’s no shortage of delicious side dishes that can elevate your meal to new heights. Whether you’re making the original recipe or experimenting with variations, turkey stew is bound to be a dish you return to time and again.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Typically Used In Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew?

Jamie Oliver’s turkey stew usually includes leftover cooked turkey, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, stock (turkey or chicken), and sometimes potatoes or other root vegetables. He often adds a touch of flour to thicken the stew and finishes with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Can I Use Raw Turkey Instead Of Cooked Leftovers?

While Jamie’s version is generally designed for leftover cooked turkey, you can use raw turkey meat-just be sure to brown it well at the start of cooking to build flavor, and allow additional simmering time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew?

The total cooking time is typically around 1 hour. Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, and the stew simmers for about 30-40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to soften.

Can Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew Be Made In Advance?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.

Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently until hot all the way through.

Is This Recipe Suitable For Freezing?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s turkey stew freezes very well. Let it cool completely, portion it out, and store in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Stew?

You can serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or even over buttery noodles. Jamie sometimes suggests pairing it with a fresh green salad or steamed greens for a complete meal.

Can I Add Other Vegetables Or Substitute Ingredients?

Definitely!

Jamie encourages flexibility. You can add parsnips, leeks, peas, sweetcorn, or even lentils. Swap fresh herbs based on what you have-sage or bay leaves also work great. Just try to maintain a balance of flavors.

Does Jamie Use Any Special Techniques In This Stew?

One of Jamie’s signature techniques is building flavor by sweating down the onions, garlic, and herbs slowly before adding liquids. He also often uses flour for a roux-like base to thicken the stew naturally, avoiding heavy cream.

Is This Turkey Stew Recipe Healthy?

Yes, it’s generally considered healthy. It’s packed with lean protein, a variety of vegetables, and minimal saturated fat. Jamie tends to focus on real, whole foods, and the stew is hearty without being heavy.

Where Can I Find Jamie Oliver’s Official Turkey Stew Recipe?

You can usually find it on Jamie Oliver’s official website (jamieoliver.com) or in his holiday cookbooks. He also often posts videos on YouTube that guide you step-by-step through the process.