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Why You'll Love This Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey and Winter Squash Stew with Fresh Herbs
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it's perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to cook a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Customizable: You can customize this recipe to your taste by adding your favorite herbs and spices, and you can also use different types of winter squash or protein sources.
- Nutritious: This stew is packed with nutrients from the turkey, winter squash, and fresh herbs, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it makes a large batch of stew that can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Great for Special Occasions: This stew is also a great option for special occasions, such as holidays or dinner parties, as it's easy to make in large quantities and it's sure to impress your guests.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for slow cookers, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the turkey and winter squash to become tender and delicious.
- Flavorful: The combination of turkey, winter squash, and fresh herbs in this stew creates a delicious and flavorful meal that's sure to become a favorite.
- Comforting: This stew is the perfect comfort food, as it's warm, hearty, and delicious, making it a great option for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the turkey, winter squash, fresh herbs, and broth. The turkey provides a good source of protein, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, add a fragrant and savory flavor to the stew. The broth is used to cook the turkey and winter squash, and it helps to bring all the flavors together. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture. You can also customize the recipe by using different types of winter squash or protein sources, and by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
How to Make Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey and Winter Squash Stew with Fresh Herbs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the turkey and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the winter squash and broth to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Add the browned turkey and fresh herbs to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the turkey and winter squash mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the squash is tender.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
Take the time to brown the turkey properly, as this will add flavor and texture to the stew.
Cook the winter squash until it's tender, but not overcooked, as this can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the best flavor.
Use fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, to add a fragrant and savory flavor to the stew.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, such as different types of winter squash or protein sources, to create a unique and delicious stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Turkey:
Fix: Make sure to cook the turkey until it's cooked through, but not overcooked, as this can make it dry and tough.
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Not Browning the Turkey Properly:
Fix: Take the time to brown the turkey properly, as this will add flavor and texture to the stew.
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Not Using Fresh Ingredients:
Fix: Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
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Overseasoning the Stew:
Fix: Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the best flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the turkey with your favorite vegetarian protein source, such as tofu or tempeh, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Replace the turkey with a vegan protein source, such as tofu or tempeh, and replace the chicken broth with a vegan broth. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add your favorite spicy ingredients, such as diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes, to give the stew a spicy kick.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's recommended to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's recommended to store it in an airtight container and to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. It's recommended to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and to label it with the date and contents. To thaw, simply place the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I use different types of winter squash?
Yes! You can use different types of winter squash, such as butternut squash or acorn squash, in place of the kabocha squash. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning as needed.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for slow cookers. Simply brown the turkey and cook the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and label it with the date and contents. To thaw, simply place the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can make this recipe gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can make this recipe vegan by replacing the turkey with a vegan protein source, such as tofu or tempeh, and replacing the chicken broth with a vegan broth. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
cozy slow cooker turkey and winter squash stew with fresh herbs
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
- 2 medium winter squash (such as butternut or acorn), peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker. Season the turkey breast or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the turkey to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the aromatics. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add the winter squash and herbs. Add the cubed winter squash, chicken broth, dried sage, and diced fresh herbs to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Cook the stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 5: Shred the turkey. After 6 hours, remove the turkey from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded turkey to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stew up to a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
- Substitution: Swap the winter squash for sweet potatoes or carrots if desired.
- Pro tip: Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
