Print

Mary Berry Turkey Stew

Mary Berry Turkey Stew - recipe card
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

A hearty, classic British stew featuring tender turkey thigh simmered with root vegetables in a rich, thyme-scented gravy. The meat is browned for deep flavor, then slowly cooked until spoon-tender, with potatoes and peas adding comfort and color.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless turkey thigh, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium potatoes (about 12 ounces), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 cup frozen peas (do not thaw)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, add the turkey chunks in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned all over. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside. Crowding the pan would steam the meat instead of browning, so patience here builds the stew’s foundation.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. If any brown bits have formed on the bottom of the pot, scrape them up with a wooden spoon; they add immense flavor.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken the stew without lumps.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and water while stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer you should see small bubbles breaking the surface but not a rolling boil.
  5. Return the browned turkey chunks and any accumulated juices to the pot. Stir to coat the meat with the gravy, then reduce the heat to low so the stew barely simmers. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and cook for 45 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
  6. After 45 minutes, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir them in gently, then re-cover and continue cooking on low heat for another 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender (a knife slides through with little resistance) and the turkey is very tender.
  7. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes just until they are heated through and turn bright green. Overcooking peas makes them dull and mushy, so stop as soon as they are hot.
  8. Let the stew rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the gravy to settle and thicken slightly. Serve hot in shallow bowls with crusty bread or mashed potatoes if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot (165°F / 74°C). Add a splash of water or stock if the gravy has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for long periods as the turkey can become dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mary Berry turkey stew, turkey stew recipe, British stew, hearty turkey stew, winter dinner, turkey thigh stew, root vegetable stew, comfort food, one-pot meal, slow cooked turkey, turkey and potato stew

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-turkey-stew-recipe/