Christmas leftovers stew with bread sauce dumplings Recipe – American Special
Christmas Leftovers Stew with Bread Sauce Dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish that makes the most of your holiday leftovers. This American special combines shredded turkey, diced ham, and leftover vegetables simmered in a savory broth, creating a rich and flavorful base. The addition of bread sauce dumplings—made from stale bread, milk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg—adds a unique twist, offering a fluffy texture that soaks up the delicious stew. It’s a perfect way to repurpose festive leftovers into a new, satisfying meal that keeps the holiday spirit alive.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time45 min
- Total Time1 hr 5 min
For the Stew:
- 2 cups leftover turkey (or chicken), shredded
- 1 cup leftover ham, diced
- 2 cups leftover vegetables (such as carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
- 2 cups leftover gravy (or use store-bought if preferred)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
- 1 bay leaf
For the Bread Sauce Dumplings:
- 2 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, peeled and studded with 2 cloves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Stew:
Prepare the base:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and saute for about 5 minutes until softened.
Make the stew:
Add the leftover gravy, broth, and herbs (thyme or mixed herbs) to the pot.
Bring to a simmer.
Add the shredded turkey, diced ham, and leftover vegetables to the pot.
Stir to combine, and let the stew simmer for 20-30 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste
Remove the bay leaf.
For the Bread Sauce Dumplings:
Make the bread sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and studded onion (with cloves) over medium heat.
Bring it to a simmer and let it infuse for 5-10 minutes. Remove the onion and discard it.
Prepare the dumpling mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes with the milk mixture and butter.
Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the bread soak up the milk.
Once the bread is soaked, add the beaten egg and mix until everything is well combined.
Form and cook the dumplings:
Form the bread mixture into small dumplings, about the size of a golf ball.
Drop the dumplings gently into the simmering stew and cook for 10-15 minutes until they are puffed and cooked through.
Serve:
Spoon the stew into bowls, making sure to include a few bread sauce dumplings with each serving.
Enjoy your comforting Christmas Leftovers Stew with Bread Sauce Dumplings!
Recipe Notes:
Stale Bread Selection: Use stale white bread for the dumplings to achieve the desired texture. Avoid using bread with strong flavors like rye or whole grain, as they may overpower the dish.
Dumpling Size: When forming the dumplings, aim for golf ball-sized portions to ensure even cooking. Larger dumplings may require additional cooking time.
Simmering Dumplings: Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering stew and avoid stirring immediately after adding them. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking apart.
Leftover Gravy Use: Incorporating leftover gravy into the stew enhances the flavor. If you don’t have homemade gravy, store-bought versions can be used as a substitute.
Herb Variations: While thyme and bay leaf are traditional, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
