Why You’ll Love this American Turkey Turnovers Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up leftover turkey, you’ll absolutely love this American Turkey Turnovers recipe.
These turnovers aren’t just a great way to avoid waste; they’re also a comforting blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The flaky, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the savory turkey filling, enriched with spices that elevate the dish.
Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be frozen for future meals, making them a convenient option for busy days. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them at a family gathering, these turnovers are sure to impress.
Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients of American Turkey Turnovers
When it comes to whipping up something delicious and comforting with leftover turkey, these American Turkey Turnovers are a fantastic choice. They’re like little pockets of joy, filled with savory turkey and spices, all wrapped in a flaky crust that just begs to be devoured.
Plus, they’re super simple to make. You might even find yourself thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” So, if you’re ready to plunge into the world of homemade turnovers, let’s gather our ingredients and get started.
Ingredients for American Turkey Turnovers:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3-5 dashes poultry seasoning
- 3 cups cooked turkey or chicken (very finely chopped)
- 2 cups white flour or whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the dough)
- 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/3 cup ice water
Now, before you start tossing ingredients into a bowl, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, feel free to customize the filling to your taste. If you’ve got some leftover veggies from dinner, toss them in.
And if curry powder isn’t your jam, you can totally skip that for a more classic flavor. Also, when it comes to the flour, using whole wheat pastry flour gives it a nice nutty taste, but white flour works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Just remember, the key to a great turnover isn’t to overwork the dough; you want it to be flaky and tender, not tough. Happy cooking!
How to Make American Turkey Turnovers
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making American Turkey Turnovers. First things first, you’ll want to get that 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery sizzling in 4 tablespoons of butter. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen—heavenly, right?
Sauté them together in a skillet over medium heat until they’re tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes. While that’s happening, grab your 3 cups of finely chopped cooked turkey or chicken and let it hang out until the veggies are ready.
Once they are, stir in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a few dashes of poultry seasoning. Mix it all up until it’s a lovely, creamy filling. This is the moment when you can taste it and think, “Do I need more salt? More pepper?”. Go wild, but keep it balanced.
Now, let’s tackle the dough. In a mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of white flour or whole wheat pastry flour (you know, whatever you have lying around), 1 tablespoon of curry powder if you’re feeling adventurous, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
It’s time for the 2/3 cup of vegetable shortening to make its grand entrance. Using a pastry blender or a good old butter knife, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. It’s like a mini workout for your arms, I swear.
Once that’s done, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of ice water and mix with a fork. If the dough is still a bit crumbly, add a little more water until it comes together.
Now, here comes the fun part. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. You can either cut it into twelve 6-inch rounds or, if you’re feeling crafty, form twelve balls and roll those out.
Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of your turkey filling onto one half of each round. Don’t be shy; this is the good stuff. Brush the edges with a little warm water, fold them over, and seal them with a fork—this is where you can channel your inner pastry chef.
After transferring your turnovers to a cookie sheet, cover them loosely with wax paper and freeze them overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven to 425°F, pop them in the oven, and let them bake until golden brown.
Depending on your oven (and your patience), this could take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. Just keep an eye on them; when the edges look perfect, it’s time to savor. Enjoy the fruits of your labor—trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
American Turkey Turnovers Substitutions & Variations
While you might be tempted to stick to the classic recipe for American Turkey Turnovers, experimenting with substitutions and variations can lead to delightful new flavors.
For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat pastry flour instead of white flour. If you want to spice things up, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
I love using leftover roasted vegetables for added texture and taste. You can also switch out turkey for chicken or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms and spinach.
For a creamy filling, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Don’t hesitate to explore different herbs and spices—each variation makes these turnovers uniquely delicious!
What to Serve with American Turkey Turnovers
After exploring various substitutions and variations for American Turkey Turnovers, it’s time to contemplate what to serve alongside them.
I love pairing these turnovers with a crisp green salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The freshness balances the savory flavors of the turnovers beautifully.
You might also enjoy a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for added color and nutrition.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider a side of mashed potatoes or a creamy potato salad.
For a touch of sweetness, a fruit chutney can complement the curry flavor perfectly.
Finally, don’t forget a rejuvenating beverage, like iced tea or lemonade, to round out this delightful meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your curried turkey turnovers turn out perfectly, I recommend paying attention to a few key details.
First, make certain your butter and shortening are cold; it helps create a flaky crust. When rolling out the dough, keep it as even as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
Don’t overfill the turnovers; about two heaping tablespoons of filling is just right. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder to the filling.
If you want a golden finish, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking. Finally, freezing the turnovers before baking can enhance the texture, so don’t skip that step if you can!
Enjoy your delicious creation!