Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this smothered turkey wings recipe. This savory dish combines tender turkey wings with a deeply flavorful gravy, creating a dish that is sure to impress at any gathering. The process includes roasting the wings, preparing a homemade stock, and making a rich gravy to smother the wings in. It's a bit labor-intensive, but the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Photos of Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are generally staple items in most kitchens. However, the turkey wings may not be a common ingredient for some. They are usually available in the meat section of most supermarkets. Be sure to choose whole turkey wings for this recipe. Another ingredient that might not be commonly found at home is the celery rib which can be easily found in the fresh produce section of the supermarket.

Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe Ingredients Explanation

Turkey wings: This is the main ingredient of the recipe. Turkey wings are larger than chicken wings and have a stronger flavor. They are meaty and are great for roasting.

Extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting the wings and making the stock. This type of olive oil has a stronger flavor and is higher in quality.

Carrot, Onion, and Celery rib: These are used to make the stock. They add flavor and are often used together in cooking, known as a 'mirepoix'.

Butter and Flour: These are used to make the gravy's roux which is the base of the gravy and gives it thickness.

Yellow mustard: This adds a bit of tanginess to the gravy which balances out the richness.

Salt, Pepper, and Dried thyme: These are used for seasoning the turkey wings and the gravy.

Cream: This is added to the gravy to give it a creamy texture and to balance out the flavors.

One reader, Kori Varner says:

The smothered turkey wings recipe is a game-changer! The wings were incredibly tender and flavorful, and the gravy was the perfect finishing touch. The dish was a hit with my family, and I can't wait to make it again. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a delicious and comforting meal.

Kori Varner

Techniques for Perfecting Smothered Turkey Wings

How to prepare turkey wings: The turkey wings need to be separated into drumettes, flats, and tips using poultry shears or a sharp knife. The tips will be used to make stock, while the drumettes and flats will be roasted.

How to roast the turkey wings: The drumettes and flats are placed on a baking sheet, tossed with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. They are then covered with aluminum foil and slow-roasted in a 275°F oven for 2 1/2 hours.

How to make stock: The tips of the turkey wings are browned in a pot with olive oil, then combined with chopped carrot, onion, and celery. Water is added to cover the wings and vegetables, and the mixture is simmered for a couple of hours to create a flavorful stock.

How to make gravy: A roux is prepared by melting butter in a pot, adding flour, and whisking to combine. The turkey stock is slowly whisked in, followed by mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and cream. The gravy is simmered on low heat to thicken.

How to brown the wings: After slow-cooking, the turkey wings are placed under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the skin.

How to incorporate roasting pan drippings into the gravy: The drippings from the roasting pan can be added to the gravy for additional flavor. If they are stuck to the pan, water can be added to loosen them, and then poured into the pot with the gravy.

How To Make Smothered Turkey Wings

Here’s some clean comfort food. Turkey wings are slow-roasted and drenched in yummy homemade gravy before being served with mashed potatoes on the side.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours 40 minutes

Total: 2 hours 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

Turkey Wings:

5lbsturkey wings,(or 7 turkey wings without the tips)
1tbspextra virgin olive oil
salt

Stock:

2tbspextra virgin olive oil
1carrot,chopped
1halfonion,chopped
1celery rib,chopped
3cupswater
½tspsalt

Gravy:

3tbspbutter
3tbspflour
3cupsturkey stock
½tspyellow mustard
½tspsalt
¼tsppepper
½tspdried thyme
¼cupcream

Instructions

Use poultry sheers or a sharp knife to separate each turkey wing into 3 segments—drumette, flat, and tip. Set aside the tips for making stock.
Place turkey wing drumettes and flats, skin side up, onto a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
Cover with aluminum foil and put into a 275 degrees F oven for 2½ hours.
While the turkey wing drumettes and flats are roasting, make stock with the tips. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium, thick-bottomed pot on medium high heat. Add the turkey wing tips and let them brown on all sides. Add the chopped carrot, onion, and celery, and sauté them for a few minutes with the wings.
Add 3 cups of water, enough to cover the wings and vegetables, and salt. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce to a low simmer on the lowest setting. Cover and let simmer while the wings roast in the oven, a couple of hours.
When the wings are close to being done, strain the stock so you can start making the gravy. Remove and discard the largest solids from the pot. Then strain the rest of the stock through a fine mesh strainer. Reserve the stock for the next step.
Make a roux by melting 3 tablespoons butter in a medium sized, thick-bottomed pot, on medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Let the roux cook and bubble for a minute or so.
Slowly whisk in the turkey stock, whisking constantly to break up any lumps. Whisk in the mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Whisk in the cream. Let simmer on low heat to thicken.
After slow cooking in the oven, the turkey wings should be fall-apart tender (if not, leave them in longer until they are).
Remove the foil and place the wings on a rack a few inches under the broiler. Broil for 5 minutes or so, until the wing skin gets somewhat browned.
Add a cup of water to the pan and use a metal spatula to scrape up the drippings. Pour them off into the pot with the gravy. To serve, pour the gravy over the wings. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, root vegetables, or cauliflower.

Nutrition

Calories: 961.21kcal
Fat: 64.31g
Saturated Fat: 19.67g
Trans Fat: 0.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 26.98g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.17g
Carbohydrates: 10.77g
Fiber: 0.93g
Sugar: 3.65g
Protein: 80.53g
Cholesterol: 297.05mg
Sodium: 1587.03mg
Calcium: 82.79mg
Potassium: 1130.02mg
Iron: 5.32mg
Vitamin A: 188.43µg
Vitamin C: 2.69mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Smothered Turkey Wings

When making the gravy, it's crucial to whisk the flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent it from burning. This mixture, known as a roux, is the base of your gravy and gives it a rich, thick consistency. Also, when adding the turkey stock, ensure to add it gradually while continuously whisking to avoid forming lumps. This will result in a smooth and velvety gravy.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Smothered Turkey Wings

Prep ahead: You can prep the turkey wings and stock the day before, so all you have to do on the day of serving is make the gravy and roast the wings.

Use a pressure cooker: If you're short on time, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the turkey wings and make the stock in a fraction of the time.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal later.

Invest in a good poultry shear: A good quality poultry shear can make the process of cutting the turkey wings much quicker and easier.

Use store-bought stock: If you're really pressed for time, you can use store-bought stock instead of making your own.

Substitute Ingredients For Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

turkey wings - Substitute with chicken wings: Chicken wings can be used as a substitute for turkey wings in this recipe. They have a similar texture and flavor and will work well in the smothered preparation.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots in the stock, providing a similar earthy sweetness to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions in the stock, adding a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
celery rib - Substitute with fennel bulb: Fennel bulb can be used as a substitute for celery in the stock, imparting a subtle anise flavor to the dish.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used as a substitute for butter in the gravy, providing a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a substitute for flour in the gravy to achieve a gluten-free option and to thicken the sauce.
yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute for yellow mustard in the gravy, adding a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute for dried thyme in the gravy, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for cream in the gravy, offering a rich and creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Smothered Turkey Wings

Elevate the turkey wings: Carefully arrange the turkey wings on a large, elegant platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the turkey wings with freshly chopped parsley and thyme to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate vibrant side dishes: Serve the smothered turkey wings alongside vibrant and visually appealing side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or cauliflower puree to create a visually stunning plate.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the smothered turkey wings on beautiful, high-quality serving ware such as rustic ceramic platters or elegant white porcelain dishes to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Drizzle with gravy artfully: Carefully drizzle the rich, flavorful gravy over the turkey wings in an artful manner, ensuring that it enhances the overall presentation without overwhelming the dish.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Consider adding a touch of elegance by garnishing the platter with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies, adding a sophisticated and luxurious touch to the presentation.
Create height and dimension: Arrange the turkey wings in a way that creates height and dimension on the plate, perhaps by leaning them against each other or using small risers to add visual interest.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider incorporating contrasting textures on the plate, such as a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pomegranate arils, to add visual and sensory appeal to the dish.
Use elegant plating techniques: Employ elegant plating techniques such as the use of negative space, precise placement of components, and attention to detail to create a visually stunning presentation that reflects the sophistication of the dish.
Highlight the golden brown color: Ensure the golden brown color of the turkey wings is showcased by arranging them in a way that allows the skin to be prominently displayed, adding visual appeal and inviting the eyes to savor the dish before tasting.

Essential Tools for Making Smothered Turkey Wings

Poultry shears: Poultry shears are a type of kitchen scissors designed specifically for cutting through poultry bones and joints, making it easier to separate the turkey wings into segments.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting and separating the turkey wings into segments, ensuring clean and precise cuts.
Rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan: A rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan is used to roast the turkey wings in the oven, allowing for even cooking and catching any drippings.
Fine mesh strainer: A fine mesh strainer is used to strain the turkey stock, removing any solids and impurities to achieve a clear, smooth liquid.
Medium, thick-bottomed pot: This type of pot is ideal for making the turkey stock, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for making the gravy, ensuring the smooth incorporation of ingredients and preventing lumps in the roux.
Metal spatula: A metal spatula is used to scrape up the flavorful drippings from the roasting pan, adding depth of flavor to the gravy.

Storing and Freezing Smothered Turkey Wings

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for smothered turkey wings:

Let the turkey wings cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate the wings for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
To freeze, place the cooled wings in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the wings overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed above, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Store any leftover gravy separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to recombine if it separates.
For best quality, consume the reheated smothered turkey wings within 1-2 days of thawing and reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Smothered Turkey Wings

The best way to reheat leftover smothered turkey wings is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wings in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the wings from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Another option is to reheat the wings in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. Place the wings and any leftover gravy in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the wings are heated through and the meat is tender.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the wings in the microwave. Place the wings and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the wings and gravy halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the wings in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the wings, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
To prevent the wings from drying out during reheating, you can add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the baking dish or slow cooker to help keep the meat moist.
If you have leftover gravy, be sure to reheat it separately and serve it over the wings for added flavor and moisture.

Interesting Fact About Smothered Turkey Wings

The turkey wings in this recipe are a great source of protein and are rich in nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. They are also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to casseroles.

Is Making Smothered Turkey Wings at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this smothered turkey wings recipe is quite high. Turkey wings are an affordable cut of meat, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most households. The recipe utilizes the entire turkey wing, making it a cost-effective choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option for a hearty and satisfying meal. Rating: 9/10.

Are Smothered Turkey Wings Healthy or Unhealthy?

The smothered turkey wings recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to a few key factors:

The turkey wings are roasted in olive oil and butter, adding extra fat and calories
The gravy is made with a roux (butter and flour) and cream, which increases the dish's overall fat content
The recipe doesn't include many vegetables or nutrient-dense ingredients

However, this recipe can be made healthier with a few simple modifications:

Use skinless turkey wings to reduce the fat content
Replace the olive oil with a cooking spray or a smaller amount of a healthier oil, such as avocado oil
Opt for low-sodium chicken or turkey stock to control the dish's salt content
Increase the number of vegetables in the stock, such as adding more carrots, celery, and onions, or even incorporating other veggies like parsnips or turnips
Replace the cream in the gravy with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt
Serve the turkey wings with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to boost the meal's nutrient content and add fiber

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of smothered turkey wings while maintaining a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

The smothered turkey wings recipe is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful turkey wings smothered in a rich, savory gravy. The slow roasting process ensures the meat is fall-apart tender, while the homemade stock and creamy gravy add depth and richness to the dish. The addition of mustard and thyme in the gravy provides a subtle complexity, elevating the overall flavor profile. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. It's a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a special holiday feast.

Enhance Your Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic for a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the smothered turkey wings.

Roasted Vegetables: Honey Glazed Roasted Vegetables: Colorful and sweet roasted vegetables drizzled with honey for a delightful and nutritious accompaniment to the smothered turkey wings.

Cauliflower: Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy cauliflower rice pilaf with a medley of herbs and spices, adding a low-carb option to complement the rich flavors of the smothered turkey wings.

Similar Recipes to Smothered Turkey Wings

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, this roasted chicken is seasoned with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to please your dinner guests.

Berry Crisp: Indulge in the sweet and tart flavors of mixed berries topped with a buttery oat crumble. This berry crisp is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Smothered Turkey Wings

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to start off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in this creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a light and refreshing treat that is perfect for a summer day or as a guilt-free dessert option.

Why trust this Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe:

This smothered turkey wings recipe is a must-try for any turkey lover. The slow roasting process ensures the wings are fall-apart tender, while the homemade gravy adds a rich and savory flavor. The use of extra virgin olive oil and fresh vegetables in the stock and gravy guarantees a wholesome and delicious result. Trust the combination of yellow mustard, dried thyme, and cream to elevate the flavors to a whole new level. With this recipe, you can create a memorable and comforting meal that will surely impress your family and friends.

Share your thoughts on the Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken wings instead of turkey wings for this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make the stock ahead of time and store it for later use?

Absolutely! You can make the stock ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Can I substitute the cream in the gravy with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can use non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream or almond milk for the gravy. Just be mindful that it may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to taste.

What can I serve with the smothered turkey wings?

You can serve the smothered turkey wings with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The rich gravy pairs well with hearty accompaniments.

Can I make this recipe in advance for a special occasion?

Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey wings and gravy in advance and reheat them when needed. This makes it a convenient and delicious option for entertaining or special gatherings.