How to Make Delicious Turkey Dumplings From Scratch

Turkey dumplings are a comforting, hearty dish that is perfect for chilly nights. Making them from scratch at home allows you to control the ingredients and put your own spin on this classic recipe. While the process takes a bit of time and effort, it is entirely doable for even novice home cooks. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make turkey dumplings that will rival any restaurant or family recipe.

Overview of the Process

The basic process for homemade turkey dumplings involves:

• Making the filling
• Preparing the dumpling dough
• Forming and cooking the dumplings

The filling is essentially a simple turkey stew or pot pie mix. It starts with cooked chopped turkey meat, broth or stock and standard pot pie vegetables like carrots, peas and celery. The filling ingredients are combined and simmered until thickened and flavorful.

The dumpling dough consists of flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk or buttermilk, and herbs After mixing the dry and wet ingredients, the dough is dropped by spoonfuls on top of the simmering filling The dumplings are then covered and baked until fully cooked through.

While it takes a bit of active cooking time, much of it involves simmering and baking during which you can focus on other kitchen tasks. Many parts can also be prepared in advance for easy weeknight assembly.

Ingredients Needed

For the filling:

• 1 pound cooked, chopped turkey meat
• 3-4 cups turkey or chicken broth/stock
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• Herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

For the dumpling dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• 3⁄4 – 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• Fresh chives, parsley or other herbs (optional)
• 1 egg

Having all the ingredients measured out and ready to go will make the process smoother.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for foolproof homemade turkey dumplings:

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1-2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute more to form a light roux.

3. Gradually whisk in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.

4. Add the turkey, peas, and herbs. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

5. Let the filling simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened to a stew-like consistency.

Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two forks until mixture forms coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in any fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

4. In a small bowl, beat together the milk and egg.

5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.

Form, Cook, and Serve Dumplings

1. Bring the filling back up to a gentle simmer. Drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough on top, spacing apart.

2. Cover pot with lid or foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

3. Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy the pillowy dumplings with plenty of the flavorful turkey stew!

Tips and Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a hint of heat.

• Use chicken instead of turkey for more classic chicken and dumplings.

• For fluffier dumplings, use canned biscuits instead of homemade dough.

• Stir in shredded Swiss cheese or crumbled bacon into the dumpling dough.

• Replace some of the broth with white wine or cream for extra richness.

• Cook the dumplings directly in the simmering stew for a one-pot meal.

• Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free baking powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with milk work well as buttermilk substitutes. You can also make faux buttermilk by mixing 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup milk.

How do I make the dumplings fluffier?

Avoid over-mixing the dough, which can make the dumplings tough. Use ice cold ingredients andbake the dumplings immediately after forming for best rise. Covering while baking helps trap steam and keep them pillowy.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! The filling and dumpling dough can both be made 1-2 days in advance. When ready to cook, bring filling to a simmer and form dumplings before baking.

What can I serve with turkey dumplings?

They pair nicely with simple sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Bread or biscuits are great for sopping up the tasty broth.

What herbs work best?

In addition to parsley, chives, thyme and sage all complement the flavors nicely. Avoid strongly flavored herbs like rosemary and oregano, which can overpower.

Enjoy Homemade Turkey Dumplings!

With this easy step-by-step guide, you can now make turkey dumplings completely from scratch. The active prep time is minimal for such a satisfying homemade meal. Be sure to use ice cold ingredients and avoid over-mixing the dough. Simmer the filling just until thickened, then top with dumpling dough and bake covered until fluffy. In no time, you’ll have a bubbling pot of your new favorite comfort food. Experiment with stir-ins and seasonings until you create the perfect turkey dumplings for your family!