TURKEY STEW WITH (OPTIONAL) DUMPLINGS

Dumplings are not thought of as a "diabetic" food. However, if made properly and eaten in a small quantity you can have them from time to time. Of course everything said to a diabetic about diet means you have to take into consideration your own blood sugar readings. This recipe is usually okay for a diabetic who controls their disease as these are made with a whole-grain flour and fat-free milk. I would not recommend the dumplings for a diabetic whose blood sugar readings are out of control.

4 celery ribs, cut into chunks
8 medium-size carrots, cut into chunks
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cans (10.5-oz) beef consommé
4 2/3 cups water, divided
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups cubed or shredded cooked turkey (may substitute chicken)
2 cups frozen cut green beans
1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour (or your favorite low/no carb substitution)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

In a Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil; sauté carrots, celery and onion approximately 10 minutes to crisp tender. Add 4 cups of the water, consommé, salt and pepper. Cover pan and cook over low heat until the vegetables are tender. Add the turkey and green beans; cook another 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the flour, Worcestershire sauce, and the 2/3 cup water; stir or whisk until smooth; stir into the stew. Bring stew to a boil and reduce the heat, replace cover and simmer 5 minutes.

Dumplings (if using):
1 1/2 cups white whole-wheat flour (or equivalent amount of your favorite low-carb substitution)
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp minced parsley
1/8 tsp poultry seasoning
3/4 cup fat-free milk
1 egg

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; stir in the parsley and poultry seasoning.

In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and egg; stir into the flour mixture just until moistened. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the simmering stew. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove lid and continue to simmer another 10 minutes.

tablespoonfuls onto the simmering stew. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove lid and continue to simmer another 10 minutes.

Yield: 12 servings.

Note: File Photo