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Cozy Turkey and Dumplings with Herbs

This comforting turkey and dumplings recipe combines tender turkey, fluffy dumplings, and a rich flavorful broth, perfect for chilly nights or using leftover turkey.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 433
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the soup base
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil Can substitute with butter for richer flavor.
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced on a bias, 1/4″ thick
  • 3 carrots sliced on a bias, 1/4″ thick
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 6.5 cups unsalted chicken broth Can substitute with low-sodium broth.
  • 2-3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded (skin removed) Leftover roast turkey works well.
  • 1.25 teaspoons Kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.75 cup cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter finish.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh minced sage (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh minced parsley (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh minced thyme (optional)
For the dumplings
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour for a rustic version.
  • 2.25 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 cup whole milk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the canola oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, and onion.
  2. Stir to coat the vegetables, cover the pot, and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Build the Soup Base
  1. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cooked turkey, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Bring everything to a simmer and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Mix the Dumpling Dough
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  2. Stir in the milk with a wooden spoon to form a soft dough.
Cook the Dumplings
  1. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls into the simmering soup.
  2. Cover the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Finish With Cream and Herbs
  1. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cream and any fresh herbs if using.
  2. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use turkey that is moist and well-seasoned. Avoid boiling the soup too hard and do not overmix the dumpling dough. Allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed to ensure even cooking.