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This comforting dish brings together juicy turkey, silky gravy, caramelised sweet potatoes and tender peas for a well-rounded meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It is one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with an aroma that makes everyone wander in early asking when dinner will be ready.
I made this for the first time on a chilly Sunday afternoon and it became our go to for holiday weekends ever since. Everyone piles into the kitchen when the smell starts drifting out.
Ingredients
- Turkey thighs: with skin and bones add deep flavor and stay moist through slow cooking
- Kosher salt: helps bring out natural flavors without overpowering
- Ground black pepper: offers sharpness and balances the sweetness from the potatoes
- Sweet potatoes: add natural sweetness and heartiness choose firm ones with tight skin
- Brown sugar: gives the sweet potatoes their candy like finish and deep molasses taste
- Canola oil: keeps everything from sticking and helps roast the potatoes evenly
- Unsalted butter: is the fat base for a silky smooth gravy
- Plain flour: thickens the gravy and gives it body
- Frozen green peas: bring a pop of color and freshness choose petite peas for best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Cooker:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper directly on the bottom of the slow cooker this seasons the base and prevents bland turkey
- Arrange the Turkey:
- Place turkey thighs skin side up inside the cooker sprinkle remaining salt and pepper on top cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours until the meat is fork tender and richly flavored
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C combine sweet potato cubes with salt pepper canola oil and half of the brown sugar mix well to coat then spread evenly on a baking tray roast for 30 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft
- Make the Gravy:
- Carefully remove turkey and pour the cooking liquid into a measuring jug remove excess fat melt butter in a saucepan over medium high heat whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to get rid of raw taste gradually pour in the reserved turkey liquid whisking constantly cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until thickened season with salt and pepper
- Finish the Sweet Potatoes:
- Once out of the oven sprinkle the hot sweet potatoes with the rest of the brown sugar let them sit briefly so the sugar melts into a shiny glaze
- Warm the Peas:
- Microwave or steam the peas until just tender but still bright green do not overcook or they will lose their snap
- Plate and Serve:
- Place the turkey on a serving platter spoon gravy generously over the top arrange the sweet potatoes and peas around the sides serve immediately while everything is hot and flavorful
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One of my favorite parts of this dish is the way the sweet potatoes turn glossy and caramelised under the brown sugar. My youngest always sneaks a piece right off the tray before I even plate them.
Storage Tips
Store leftover turkey and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the gravy smooth. Sweet potatoes and peas should be stored separately to maintain texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute boneless turkey thighs if needed just reduce cooking time by about an hour. Maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar for a more pronounced sweetness. Avocado oil works well if canola is unavailable.
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Serving Suggestions
This meal is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad. For a more festive table add a cranberry chutney or herb roasted carrots.
Cultural and Historical Context
Slow cooking turkey in gravy has roots in Southern and Midwestern American cooking where economical cuts are transformed through low and slow techniques. Sweet potatoes are a staple of holiday meals and peas offer a nod to classic meat and three style dinners.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use boneless turkey instead?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used, though bone-in adds deeper flavor and keeps the meat juicier during slow cooking.
- → How do I prevent the gravy from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly, then add the liquid slowly while whisking constantly to ensure smoothness.
- → Can I make the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, roast them in advance and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Add the final brown sugar sprinkle just before serving.
- → Are frozen peas better steamed or microwaved?
Either method works, but steaming tends to preserve more texture and color. Avoid overcooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Crusty bread or a fresh green salad make great additions to round out the meal and soak up extra gravy.