Turkey Gumbo Recipe

Overview:

Prepare yourself for a delightful journey through the flavors of Creole cuisine with this hearty and soul-warming Turkey Gumbo recipe. Bursting with rich turkey flavors and a medley of vegetables, this dish is perfect for chilly winter nights or any weeknight when you crave a comforting meal. With just a few simple steps, you can recreate the magic of this classic Southern stew in your own kitchen.

Cuisine: Creole
Course: Main Course
Servings: 8
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Keywords: Stew, Long Grain Rice, Pork, Poultry, Rice, Meat, Creole, Winter, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

1 turkey carcass
8-16 carrots
1 celery
2 onions
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 kielbasa sausage
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup frozen cut okra
1 cup long-grain rice

Instructions:

Prepare Turkey Broth:
- Cut the turkey carcass into several pieces.
- Cut 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, and 1 onion into 2-inch pieces. Reserve the remaining celery and onion for later use.
- In a 6-quart saucepot, place the turkey carcass pieces, cut-up carrot, celery, onion, and 1 garlic clove.
- Add 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
- Drain the broth through a colander into a bowl, discard the solids, and return the broth to the saucepot.
- Heat the broth to boiling and boil uncovered for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare Gumbo:
- In a 4-quart saucepan, cook the flour over low heat until golden, stirring frequently (about 10 minutes). Transfer the flour to a cup and set aside.
- Thinly slice the remaining celery and onion, and mince the remaining garlic clove.
- In the same saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the kielbasa and cook for 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer the kielbasa to a plate.
- Stir 1/4 cup of turkey broth into the flour in the cup until a paste forms.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the paste to the saucepan, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in 2 3/4 cups of turkey broth.
- Return the kielbasa to the saucepan.
- Stir in the sliced onion, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, chopped red pepper, bay leaf, salt, thyme, ground red pepper, and allspice.
- Heat the mixture to boiling over high heat.
- Add the frozen okra, reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the leftover turkey meat and cook for 1 minute.
Prepare Rice:
- In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the remaining 2 cups of turkey broth to boiling over high heat.
- Add the long-grain rice and return to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
To Serve:
- Discard the bay leaf from the gumbo.
- Spoon the gumbo over the rice in bowls.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 268.4
Total Fat: 7.6g
Saturated Fat: 2.1g
Cholesterol: 30.9mg
Sodium: 378.1mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35.6g
Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 14.6g

Notes:

This Turkey Gumbo recipe is a great way to utilize leftover turkey carcass, making it a perfect post-holiday dish.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground red pepper.
Serve this delicious gumbo with a side of cornbread for a complete Southern meal experience.

Indulge in the heartiness of this Turkey Gumbo, and let its comforting flavors transport you to the bayous of Louisiana with every savory spoonful. Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of Creole cuisine right in your own home! 🍲🦃🌶️