The Ultimate Turkey Carcass Soup from Feast to Fantastic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare at that picked clean turkey, thinking, "There must be more to life than sandwiches?" You're right. Let's make some proper turkey carcass soup .

This isn't just any leftover turkey soup recipe ; it's like a warm hug in a bowl.

Brief Overview

Turkey carcass soup is a thrifty way to honor the bird. It hails from generations of resourceful cooks, and is both easy and satisfying.

It takes around 3 to 4 hours to make, mostly simmering away. This recipe makes about 8 to 10 servings.

Main Benefits

This soup is packed with nutrients from the broth and veg. It is perfect for a chilly evening after all the festivities, or anytime you crave comfort.

What makes this recipe special? The deep, rich turkey stock from carcass is unlike anything you can buy in a shop.

From Carcass to Comfort: Why This Soup Rocks

Honestly, throwing away that turkey carcass feels almost sacrilegious, right? Plus, think of all that flavor going to waste! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

We're basically coaxing every last bit of goodness out of those bones. It is like a culinary resurrection, I tell you! My nan used to say "Waste not, want not," and she'd be all over this easy turkey soup recipe .

We are talking about transforming that humble frame into liquid gold. The slow simmer extracts all the collagen, making the broth rich and silky.

It's also a fantastic way to use up other bits and bobs from your Christmas dinner. Perhaps some leftover carrots or sprouts that nobody touched?

The Magic Ingredients for Your Best Broth

Okay, let's gather our troops. First, you will need that trusty turkey carcass . Don't worry if there's still some meat clinging on.

It will add flavor! You also need cold water, onions, carrots, and celery. Garlic, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, apple cider vinegar and salt is also needed.

The vinegar helps break down the bones and releases all that good stuff. Seriously, don't skip it!

Alright, gather 'round, my budding culinary comrades! Let's turn that Thanksgiving (or Christmas, let's be honest) turkey carcass into something truly spectacular: a soul warming, flavour packed soup! This isn't just any old soup; it's liquid gold crafted from the bones of a feast.

Think of it as the ultimate culinary phoenix rising from the ashes... of delicious poultry. We're making turkey carcass soup !

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Turkey Carcass Soup

Let's dive into what you'll need to create this leftover magic. Honestly, it's more about using what you have, but here's a guide to get you started.

Main Ingredients

These are the building blocks for our incredible turkey carcass soup .

• Turkey Broth:

  • 1 leftover turkey carcass. Quality matters. If it was a good bird, your broth will be fantastic!
  • 12 cups (2.8 liters) cold water. Use good quality filtered water.
  • 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped. Approx. 300g .
  • 3 carrots, roughly chopped. Approx. 200g .
  • 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped. Approx. 200g .
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed. Don't be shy!
  • 2 bay leaves. Adds a subtle depth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Helps break down the bones and release flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste).

• Soup Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml).
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Approx. 150g .
  • 2 carrots, diced. Approx. 150g .
  • 2 celery stalks, diced. Approx. 150g .
  • 8 ounces ( 225g ) cooked turkey meat. Leftover is perfect! This is how to use turkey leftovers!
  • 4 cups ( 950ml ) cooked egg noodles or 1 cup ( 175g ) uncooked rice.
  • 1 cup ( 240ml ) frozen peas.
  • 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) chopped fresh parsley. For garnish.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste.

When choosing your carcass, remember that the better the bird you started with, the better your turkey stock from carcass will be.

I once tried making it with a super cheap turkey, and honestly, the homemade turkey broth was pretty bland. Lesson learned!

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk flavour, baby!

• Essential Spice Combinations: Thyme and bay leaf are key for that classic turkey noodle soup taste. Don't skip them!
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Garlic is a must. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
• Quick Substitution Options: No thyme? Use a bit of poultry seasoning.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Large stockpot. At least 8 quarts is best.
• Colander. For straining the broth.
• Large bowl. To catch the good stuff.
• Cutting board and knife. For chopping veggies.

Honestly, if you don't have a stockpot, a Dutch oven will do just fine. And if you lack a colander, a large sieve works in a pinch! This easy turkey soup recipe is all about making do with what you've got.

And that's that! With these ingredients and tools, you're well on your way to crafting the most amazing turkey carcass soup with vegetables .

Get ready for some serious comfort food! I reckon this is one of the best soup for Christmas leftovers !

Right then, let's talk turkey carcass soup ! Honestly, who wants to chuck away that glorious turkey carcass after Christmas or Thanksgiving? It's basically a flavour bomb waiting to explode! So, we're gonna transform it into the ultimate bowl of comfort.

It's easier than you think, and trust me, the homemade turkey broth is worth every single minute. I’ll show you how to use turkey leftovers like a pro.

From Zero to Hero: Prepping Your Soup

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, you’ve got to get your ducks in a row. Or in this case, your veggies. Chop your onions, carrots, and celery.

It's a bit like getting ready for a good old Sunday roast. Essential mise en place is to have everything ready, diced and smiling at you from little bowls.

Organization Tips (Time Saving!)

Don't be a martyr! Chop those veggies while the kettle's boiling for a cuppa. Save leftover turkey meat from your initial feast to chuck in.

Boom! That's your leftover turkey soup recipe halfway done.

Simple Steps to Turkey Carcass Soup Perfection

1. Chuck your turkey carcass in a large stockpot . Add 12 cups cold water, chopped veg ( 2 medium yellow onions , 3 carrots , 3 celery stalks ), 4 smashed garlic cloves , 2 bay leaves , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns , 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar , and 1 teaspoon salt .
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3- 4 hours . Seriously , the longer the better. Skim off any foamy bits.
3. Strain the broth. Let the turkey carcass cool. Pick off any remaining meat. Discard the bones. (Safety Reminder! Don't burn yourself!)
4. Sauté diced onion ( 1 medium yellow onion ), carrots ( 2 carrots ), and celery ( 2 celery stalks ) in 2 tablespoons olive oil for 5- 7 minutes .
5. Add broth and reserved turkey meat ( 8 ounces ). Bring to a simmer. Cook noodles ( 4 cups cooked egg noodles ) or rice ( 1 cup uncooked rice ).
6. Stir in frozen peas ( 1 cup ). Cook for 1- 2 minutes . Season to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley ( 1/4 cup ). Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Top Secret Soup Tips (Shhh!)

Level Up Your Soup Game

Roast that turkey carcass at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30 minutes before simmering for extra flavor. It's like toasting spices, it just wakes things up! Remove excess fat after cooling.

Oops! I Did It Again (Avoid These!)

Don't overcook your veggies! Aim for tender, not mushy. Season, season, season! Taste as you go. Salt is your friend, but don't go overboard.

Honestly, making turkey carcass soup with vegetables is proper easy, innit? It’s a great way to use up those Christmas leftovers and create something amazing.

Plus, knowing you're getting all those turkey bone broth benefits ? Bonus points! So get cracking, and enjoy your easy turkey soup recipe you deserve it! It's the best soup for Christmas leftovers, I swear!.

And don't forget to share your variations on this turkey noodle soup with me!

Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Turkey Carcass Soup

Right then, you've got the recipe, but let's chat about making it your own. This is where the magic happens, honestly.

This leftover turkey soup recipe is super flexible! I love tweaking things depending on what's lurking in the fridge. I will share some experience from my past attempts.

Serving Suggestions: Soup's Up!

Okay, so you've made this cracking turkey carcass soup with vegetables . What now? Think presentation! A swirl of cream (optional, of course gotta watch those waistlines!) and a sprinkle of fresh parsley instantly elevates it.

And sides? Oh my gosh, crusty bread is essential. Think proper sourdough. Or, feeling fancy? Grilled cheese dippers are a total winner! A light side salad cuts through the richness nicely too.

And a nice Homemade turkey broth will do you so much good.

Storage Tips: Soup for Days

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once it’s cooled down, bung your turkey carcass soup in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing? Absolutely! Portion it out into freezer safe containers or bags. It will last for up to 3 months, perfect for those moments when you just need a hug in a bowl.

When reheating, defrost it thoroughly first. Then, gently heat it on the hob, stirring occasionally. Don't blast it in the microwave unless you’re desperate.

Honestly, reheating it slowly on the stove gives you the best flavour and texture.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Fancy a change? You can add a spicy kick by adding some chilli flakes or a chopped chilli.

Want a creamier turkey noodle soup ? Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or a splash of double cream at the end.

Remember the Best soup for Christmas leftovers doesn't need to be exactly the same all the time.

For a dietary tweak, swap the noodles for rice for a gluten-free version. Or chuck in some extra veggies for a post Thanksgiving soup ideas superfood boost.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This easy turkey soup recipe is packed with goodness! Think protein from the turkey, vitamins from the vegetables. Plus, simmering that turkey stock from carcass extracts all the bone marrowy goodness (yes, that's a word now).

It's generally a good source of vitamins, minerals, and collagen. The turkey bone broth benefits are fantastic! Remember though, nutritional info is approximate.

It really depends on your ingredients, But generally, it's a healthy and satisfying meal.

There you have it! Your turkey carcass soup adventure awaits. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Now, go and turn that leftover turkey soup recipe into something amazing.

Enjoy! Also, Remember the best way on How to use turkey leftovers is to be creative!