Turkey À La King
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Let’s be honest, sometimes leftovers can feel a little, well, leftover-y. But tonight, we’re transforming leftover turkey into something truly delicious: Turkey à la King! This dish is pure comfort food, with tender turkey pieces swimming in a creamy sauce packed with savory mushrooms and pops of sweetness from the pimentos. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up,and in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love Turkey À La King
- Leftover Rescue: Turn that forgotten turkey into a creamy, delicious dish in under an hour.
- Comfort Food Craving? Rich sauce, tender turkey, savory mushrooms = cozy perfection.
- Weeknight Friendly: Easy prep and minimal fuss for a satisfying meal in about 30 minutes.
- Veggie Boost: Mushrooms and peas add sneaky nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Make it Yours: Play with veggies, spices, or serve over mashed potatoes for endless variations.
Ingredients Needed To Make Turkey À La King
- Cooked turkey, cubed
- Sherry cream (optional)
- Butter
- Onion, diced
- Baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
- Diced pimentos, drained
- Peas
- Turkey stock (or substitute with chicken or vegetable stock)
- Heavy cream
- Thyme leaves
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Water and cornstarch for slurry
How To Make Turkey À La King
- Prepare the Skillet: Place a large deep skillet or stockpot over medium/low heat. Add butter and diced onion.
- Cook the Onions: Cook for 5-8 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until slightly softened, approximately 5-8 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add thyme leaves, black pepper, turkey, diced pimentos, peas, turkey stock, sherry cream (optional), and heavy cream. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce, stirring continually.
- Serve: Serve over cooked rice, biscuits, or pasta.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Turkey À La King!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- Serving Options: Serve it over mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I substitute turkey stock with chicken or vegetable stock?
Yes, chicken or vegetable stock can be substituted for turkey stock. It won’t significantly alter the flavor and is a great alternative if you don’t have turkey stock on hand.
Is sherry cream necessary?
No, sherry cream is optional. It adds a subtle depth of flavor but can be skipped if you prefer or if you don’t have it available.
What can I serve Turkey À La King with?
Turkey À La King can be served with cooked rice, biscuits, or cooked pasta. These bases complement the creamy sauce and make for a filling meal.
Can I use different vegetables in Turkey À La King?
Absolutely! You can experiment with vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to add variety and extra nutrients to the dish.
How do I store and reheat Turkey À La King?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Can I freeze Turkey À La King?
Yes, you can freeze Turkey À La King. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I make Turkey À La King healthier?
To make a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add more vegetables like spinach or kale. You can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
Using a cornstarch slurry is an effective way to thicken the sauce. Mix water and cornstarch and stir it into the skillet, allowing the sauce to thicken as it cooks.
Turkey À La King
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or stockpot
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey cubed
- 1 tbsp sherry cream optional
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion diced
- 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms sliced
- 4 ounces diced pimentos drained
- 1 ½ cup peas
- 1 ½ cups turkey stock sub chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp thyme leaves
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ cup water + 2 tsp cornstarch for slurry
Instructions
- Place a large deep skillet or stockpot over medium/low heat. Add butter and diced onion.
- Cook for 5-8 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until slightly softened, approximately 5-8 minutes.
- Add thyme leaves, black pepper, turkey, diced pimentos, peas, turkey stock, sherry cream (optional), and heavy cream. Cook for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce, stirring continually.
- Serve over cooked rice, biscuits, or pasta.
- Enjoy your delicious Turkey À La King!
Notes
- Experiment with different vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- Serve it over mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
- Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor.
Nutrition
There you have it! A classic Turkey à la King recipe that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or simply satisfying your comfort food cravings. Serve it over rice, biscuits, or pasta for a complete meal, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the vegetables or add a pinch of paprika for a smoky twist. Leftovers, who? This Turkey à la King is so good, there might not be any left over!
