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Why You'll Love This slow cooker turkey stew with kale and sweet potatoes for cozy nights
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, with just a few minutes of hands-on time required.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: The slow cooker does all the work for you, cooking the stew to perfection while you're busy with other things.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This stew is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and antioxidant-rich kale, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes, adding or subtracting ingredients as you see fit.
- Perfect for Crowds: This recipe makes a large batch of stew, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Cost-Effective: This recipe is very budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients and minimizing food waste.
- Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of flavors in this stew is absolutely delicious, with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes balancing out the bitterness of the kale.
- Comforting and Cozy: This stew is the perfect comfort food, perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the turkey breast, sweet potatoes, kale, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The turkey breast provides lean protein, while the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creamy texture. The kale adds a burst of nutrients and flavor, while the onions and garlic provide a depth of flavor. The chicken broth helps to bring all the flavors together and adds moisture to the stew. When selecting these ingredients, look for fresh, high-quality options. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free of bruises, and opt for curly kale or lacinato kale for the best flavor. You can also substitute other leafy greens, such as spinach or collard greens, if you prefer.
How to Make slow cooker turkey stew with kale and sweet potatoes for cozy nights
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey breast 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 diced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then add the browned turkey, softened onions, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the turkey is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale. Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook until the kale is wilted and the stew is hot and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Results
The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of your stew. Choose fresh, high-quality options for the best results.
Cook the turkey until it's just cooked through, then remove it from the heat. Overcooking the turkey can make it dry and tough.
Adding the kale too early can cause it to become mushy and overcooked. Add it about 30 minutes before serving for the best results.
Choose a slow cooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. A slow cooker that's too small can cause the stew to cook unevenly.
Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the combination that works best for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Turkey: Overcooking the turkey can make it dry and tough. Cook the turkey until it's just cooked through, then remove it from the heat.
Fix: Check the turkey regularly and remove it from the heat as soon as it's cooked through.
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Not Browning the Turkey: Failing to brown the turkey can result in a stew that lacks flavor and texture. Take the time to brown the turkey properly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Fix: Brown the turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will add flavor and texture to the stew.
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Not Using Enough Liquid: Using too little liquid can result in a stew that's dry and flavorless. Make sure to use enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients and create a rich, flavorful stew.
Fix: Use enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients and create a rich, flavorful stew.
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Not Letting it Rest: Failing to let the stew rest can result in a stew that's not fully flavored and textured. Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly.
Variations & Substitutions
Add some heat to your stew by adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes. You can also add some cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.
Replace the turkey with cubed tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free chicken broth. You can also add some gluten-free spices and seasonings for extra flavor.
Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe. You can also add some potassium-rich ingredients like spinach or kale to help lower blood pressure.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. You can also freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.
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 frozen turkey?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey. However, make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels before using. Frozen turkey can release excess moisture during cooking, which can affect the texture of the stew.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the stew, such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the vegetables are tender before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. However, if you're using a store-bought chicken broth, make sure to check the ingredients list for gluten. You can also use gluten-free chicken broth or make your own broth from scratch.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, you can serve this as a main course. The stew is hearty and filling, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
Can I make this in a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can make this in a Dutch oven. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the oven, where you can cook the stew at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
slow cooker turkey stew with kale and sweet potatoes for cozy nights
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the kale. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Step 2: Brown the turkey. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the onion and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Add the sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and browned turkey to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Cook the stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 6: Add the kale and diced tomatoes. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale and diced tomatoes. Continue to cook until the kale is wilted.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Cool the stew to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the ingredients and brown the turkey up to a day in advance. Assemble the stew and cook as directed.
- Substitution: Swap the sweet potatoes for diced carrots or parsnips if desired.
- Pro tip: Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easy and convenient.
