Recipe: Turkey Gumbo 🦃🍲

Introduction:

Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com! Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe for Turkey Gumbo that’s sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. This hearty stew combines tender turkey, flavorful smoked sausage, and an array of aromatic vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and savory broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, this Turkey Gumbo is a true crowd-pleaser. So, grab your largest pot and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 turkey carcass
2 onions, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
4 celery stalks, sliced
2 carrots, diced
2 quarts chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 cup cooked turkey meat, shredded
2-3 links smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup uncooked rice
Instant roux (as needed)
Instant mashed potatoes (if needed for thickening)

Instructions:

Prepare the Turkey Broth:
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- Place the turkey carcass in a large pot and cover it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the carcass for 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to develop.
Strain and Reserve:
- Carefully remove the turkey carcass from the pot, allowing any excess liquid to drain back into the pot.
- Set the cooked turkey meat aside and discard the bones and any unwanted bits.
- Reserve the flavorful turkey broth for later use in the gumbo.
Prepare the Gumbo Base:
- In the same pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, minced garlic, chopped green pepper, sliced celery, and diced carrots.
- Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Simmer the Gumbo:
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the reserved turkey broth to the pot.
- Stir in the cooked turkey meat, sliced smoked sausage, chopped green onions, and all the seasonings – salt, pepper, bay leaves, parsley flakes, and dried basil leaves.
- Allow the gumbo to simmer gently over low heat for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to mingle.
Add the Rice:
- After the gumbo has simmered for an hour, stir in the uncooked rice.
- Continue to simmer the gumbo for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
Adjust the Consistency:
- If you find that the gumbo isn’t quite thick enough to your liking, you can thicken it further by adding a few tablespoons of instant roux.
- Alternatively, if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add several tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes, stirring until the desired thickness is achieved.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the gumbo is cooked to perfection and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s time to serve!
- Ladle generous portions of the turkey gumbo into bowls, making sure to include plenty of tender turkey, savory sausage, and flavorful vegetables in each serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions, if desired, for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Serve piping hot, alongside crusty bread or fluffy cornbread, for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 254.6
Fat: 13.8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 27.8mg
Sodium: 996.6mg
Carbohydrates: 21.8g
Fiber: 1.8g
Sugar: 3.3g
Protein: 10g

Serving Suggestions:

This turkey gumbo is delicious on its own but can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal experience.
Serve with freshly baked cornbread or crusty French bread for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth.
For a lighter option, serve the gumbo over cooked rice or with a side of steamed vegetables.

Tips for Success:

For extra convenience, you can use leftover cooked turkey meat instead of simmering a whole turkey carcass. Simply shred the cooked turkey and add it to the gumbo along with the other ingredients.
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasonings, add additional vegetables, or even incorporate different proteins, such as shrimp or chicken, for a unique twist on classic gumbo.
Don’t rush the cooking process – allowing the gumbo to simmer low and slow ensures that all the flavors have time to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
If you prefer a spicier gumbo, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to amp up the heat.

Conclusion:

This Turkey Gumbo recipe is a true labor of love, perfect for bringing friends and family together around the dinner table. With its hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and comforting aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade turkey gumbo!