Slow Cooker Pumpkin and Turkey Stew
This stew combines tender turkey with creamy pumpkin, simmered gently in a slow cooker to develop rich, comforting flavors. The dish results in a velvety, hearty soup with chunks of turkey and pumpkin that are both soft and satisfying, with a fragrant spice profile and a slightly thickened texture.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's knife
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey preferably lean
- 4 cups pumpkin puree fresh or canned
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp turmeric ground
- 1 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional cream or coconut milk for richer texture
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and smoked paprika; cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked turkey mixture to the slow cooker, then add pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Let the stew simmer for 4 hours, until flavors meld and the pumpkin is velvety.
- Once cooked, open the lid and check the consistency. For a silkier texture, use a ladle to mash some pumpkin pieces or blend a portion of the stew gently.
- If desired, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra richness and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything well and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
- Scoop the hot stew into bowls, garnish as desired, and enjoy the comforting, velvety texture with tender pieces of turkey and pumpkin.
Notes
Feel free to add extra spices like ginger or cayenne for added warmth. The stew keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or microwave.