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This easy-to-make Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew is the perfect way to use leftover holiday turkey. It can also be easily adapted to use leftover chicken, making it a delicious and comforting weeknight meal that the whole family will love!
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Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight!
There’s something truly exciting about a great recipe, and my Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew has me dancing in the kitchen! Picture this: it’s a chilly, rainy fall day in Washington, and I’m all in, cooking up a storm. My husband, Kevin, isn’t usually a fan of soups or stews, especially leftovers. So, you can imagine my surprise when he called after work and said, “Oh, that sounds great!” when I told him what I was making. Talk about a victory dance moment!
One of the things I adore about this stew is that I use homemade bone broth made from the leftover turkey. Call me a weirdo, but I love maximizing every ingredient! I save all my bones and veggie trimmings to make rich, flavorful broths. Not only do they taste better, but they also allow me to control what goes into my food.
Since getting my Instant Pot, making homemade stock and bone broth has been a regular part of my kitchen routine. The depth of flavor it adds to soups and stews is unbeatable!
Now, while this recipe may have some non-traditional ingredients, my mission has been to create a stew that satisfies our low-carb cravings. We all know that onions and potatoes are staples in a classic stew, but they don’t fit into a low-carb lifestyle. That’s where my creativity comes in!
I’ve found that leeks make a fantastic substitute for onions, bringing a lovely flavor without the carbs. While I still use onions in some recipes, leeks are my go-to when I’m packing in a lot of ingredients. You gotta save carbs where you can, right?
As for potatoes? I’ve experimented with radishes in my stew, and everyone loved it! I’ve also used rutabaga, which has been a hit as well. I’ve been meaning to try turnips, and I finally did! Oh my goodness, why did I wait so long? Turnips are by far the closest to potatoes in a recipe like this, adding a hearty texture and flavor that’s just perfect.
So, let my testing be your guide as you make this creamy, comforting, low-carb turkey stew. It’s sure to become a family favorite, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table!
If you are looking for more hearty, satisfying soups and stews, give this Low-Carb Beef Stew, or Low-Carb Instant Pot Pork Stew a try! If you are looking for a bit lighter recipe, how about trying this Brazillian Shrimp Stew or a big bowl of my Low-Carb Oyster Stew, which is based on my Grandmother's recipe.
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
Why You'll Love Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew is the perfect dish for chilly nights. It offers a rich and satisfying meal that warms the soul. The creamy texture combined with savory turkey and fresh vegetables creates a hearty dish that feels indulgent yet aligns with your low-carb lifestyle.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: Whether you’re using leftover turkey or chicken, this stew is incredibly adaptable. You can swap in seasonal vegetables or adjust spices to suit your family's preferences, making it a versatile dish that can change with the seasons or what you have on hand.
- Nutrient-Dense and Low-Carb: Packed with nutritious ingredients like leeks, mushrooms, and turnips, this stew is both satisfying and filling. It delivers the comfort of traditional stews while keeping carbs in check, making it a great choice for those following keto or low-carb diets who want to enjoy robust flavors.
In This Post
🥘Ingredient Notes
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, olive oil adds a rich flavor and is perfect for sautéing the leeks and garlic. It provides a base for the stew that enhances the overall taste.
- Leek: A fantastic low-carb substitute for onions, leeks offer a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. They add depth to the stew without the extra carbs.
- Garlic: Known for its aromatic qualities, garlic infuses the stew with a savory richness. It enhances the overall flavor profile and brings a comforting warmth to the dish.
- Mushrooms: These earthy delights add a meaty texture to the stew, making it feel heartier. They’re also low in carbs and packed with nutrients, making them a perfect addition to any low-carb dish.
- Turnips: Turnips are a low-carb alternative to potatoes, providing a similar texture without the carbs. They soak up the stew's flavors and add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- Carrots (Optional): While slightly higher in carbs, carrots can add a touch of natural sweetness and color to the stew. If you’re following a strict low-carb diet, feel free to omit them.
- Celery: This crunchy vegetable adds a refreshing note and a subtle flavor to the stew. It helps enhance the overall texture and adds a bit of nutrition without adding significant carbs.
- Pink Sea Salt: Not only does pink sea salt enhance the flavors, but it also contains trace minerals that regular table salt does not. A pinch brings out the best in every ingredient.
- Cracked Black Pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a touch of heat and complexity to the stew. It enhances the overall flavor without adding any carbs.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Thyme adds a fragrant, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with turkey and vegetables. It’s an aromatic herb that elevates the dish to the next level.
- Turkey Bone Broth: This rich broth forms the base of the stew, imparting deep flavor and nutrition.
- Cooked Turkey Meat: The star of the stew, using leftover turkey provides protein and makes this dish a practical way to utilize holiday leftovers while delivering satisfying flavors.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the stew its creamy texture, adding richness and indulgence. It makes the stew feel luxurious while still keeping it low-carb.
- Xanthan Gum: A great thickening agent that helps achieve a creamy consistency without the need for flour or other high-carb thickeners. Just a little goes a long way!
- Flat-Leaf Parsley: This fresh herb is used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of brightness. It enhances the presentation and provides a fresh contrast to the rich stew.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew
These are four of the steps involved in making Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew. The full directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Add the mushrooms, turnip, carrot, celery, salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook.
Add the cooked turkey.
And the bone broth.
Bring the heat back up to medium-high and add the heavy cream.
Helpful Hint: 💡 This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Consider making a batch ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator overnight. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving for a quick and comforting meal.
Substitutions
- Cooked Turkey Meat: Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can be substituted for turkey.
- Turkey Bone Broth: If you don't have turkey bone broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Turnips: Rutabaga, radish, or kohlrabi are great low-carb alternatives to turnips, providing a similar texture.
- Carrots: For a lower-carb option, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or omit them entirely.
🍽Equipment Needed
This is the equipment you will need to make Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to continue melding, enhancing the overall taste.
- Freezing: If you want to store the stew for a longer period, it can be frozen. Place the cooled stew in a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, label the container with the date.
Reheating Instructions:
- Stovetop: To reheat, pour the desired amount of stew into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew has thickened during storage, you can add a splash of turkey or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the stew is thick, you can add a little broth or water to loosen it.
- Slow Cooker: If you prefer, you can reheat the stew in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours or until heated through, which is perfect if you have time to spare.
💭Top tip
Feel free to experiment with the vegetables in this stew! If you have other low-carb favorites like zucchini, cauliflower, or green beans, you can easily add or substitute them to suit your taste. This flexibility allows you to create a personalized stew that everyone in your family will enjoy!
FAQ about Creamy Low-Carb Turkey Stew
If you’re following a strict keto diet, you can easily omit the carrots from the recipe. However, if you’re eating low-carb for weight loss, you can include them as they contribute minimal net carbs. The choice is yours based on your dietary preferences!
Xanthan gum is used to thicken the stew, but you can make the recipe without it for a thinner consistency. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a couple of ounces of cream cheese to the finished stew and stir until melted. Just keep in mind that this will alter the nutritional values slightly.
This stew is highly customizable! Feel free to add more herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for added flavor. You can also experiment with different vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, to suit your taste preferences while keeping it low-carb.
More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey...
Creamy Low Carb Turkey Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large leek halved and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced or crushed
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 pound turnips peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots optional , sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- pink salt to taste
- cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
- 8 cups turkey bone broth or chicken
- 1 pound cooked turkey meat chopped
- 1/ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot, or dutch oven, over medium heat, saute the leek until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute or two.
- Add the mushrooms, turnip, carrot, celery, salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms begin to soften.
- Add the cooked turkey and the bone broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots and turnips are fork-tender.
- Bring the heat back up to medium-high and add the heavy cream. Once the stew begins to bubble whisk in the xanthan gum. Continue to whisk often for about 5 minutes, or until the stew begins to thicken.
- Remove from the heat.
- Serve topped with fresh parsley if desired.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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Janie
Can this be made in a slow cooker? If so, for how long?
bobbiskozykitchen
I have not made this in the slow cooker.