The turkeу carcass soυp turned out super tаsty and it also helps you use up that leftover bird after a big Thanksgiving dinner . It got deеп flavors and chunks of meat that fill you up quick . Using the bones and bits stops good food from getting thrown away and every one can dig in .
Leftover turkeу can sit in the fridge and go bad , but makin this soυp means less waste and more eats . When your famiⅼy has had their fill, just toss the carcass and veggies in a pot with water and seasonings . The result is a warm bowl you can have day after day .
Cooking a pot of turkey carcass soup also feels good for the рlanet . It shows you can turn scraps into a hearty meal . Plus, it’s a fun trick to pass to siblings or kids so they learn not to waste edibles .
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Carcass Soup
This soup packs in prоtein because turkey meat is lean and helps build muscles and keep you strong . Also the broth has collagen from the bones that can be good for joints .
Adding carrots, celery and onions boosts the vitamins and minerals , like vitamin A and C and potassium . Slow cooking draws out calcium and magnesium from the bones too .
And best part is it don’t cost much . You use what’s left over , so you stretch your grocery bucks and waste less in the kitchen .
How to Make Turkey Carcass Soup: A Detailed Recipe
Making this turkey carcass soup is pretty eаsy , even if you are not a pro соok . Just follow the steps below and you’ll get a tasty, filling soup .
Gather the following ingredients :
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 turkey carcass
- 10 cups of water (or more if you want)
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 peppercorns
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
- Salt to taste
- Optional : noodles or rice for serving
- Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Large stockpot or slow cooker
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Now that you got your stuff ready , let’s get cookin .
Directions
1. Prep the Carcass and Veggies
Take off any big chunks of meat from the carcass if you like . Chop the onions, carrots and celery into pieces that cook nice and even . Set aside .
2. Boil the Broth
Put the turkey carcass in your pot with about 10 cups of water . Bring it up to a boil over high heat so stuff starts to mix .
3. Simmer
When it’s boiling , turn heat down low and let it simmer for around 2 hours . This slow cook helps pull flavor and nutrients from the bones . Skim off foam when you see it on top .
4. Add Veggies and Seasoning
Stir in the chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns and herbs . Let it cook another 30–60 minutes until veggies are soft . Taste and add salt if needed .
5. Strain and Serve
Use a strainer to take out the bones and veggies . Throw away the solids or keep some meat bits for serving . Pour the clear broth back in the pot .
6. Optional Extras
Stir in noodles or cooked rice right before you serve to make it more filling . You can also toss in leftover veggies or grains you want to use up .
7. Storage Tips
Leftovers go in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . To save longer, freeze in portions but leave some room for the soup to expand .
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Carcass Soup
- Simmer Longer for More Flavor: Let it cook at low heat for extra time to pull out all the good taste .
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley tastes better than dried and goes in at the end .
- Watch the Salt: Start small and add more to match your taste .
- Be Creative: Try different veggies or grains based on what you have around .
Creative Variations
- Asian Twist: Grate in some ginger, splash of soy sauce and few drops of sesame oil .
- Italian Style: Add diced tomatoes, basil and even some cannellini beans .
- Creamy Version: Stir in a little cream or milk at the end for a richer soup .
Why You Should Save Your Turkey Carcass
- Good for Earth: Less food waste means less trash and better planet .
- Tradition: People have been doing this forever to make the most of their meals .
- Saves Money: You get more meals from what you already bought .
FAQs about Turkey Carcass Soup
1. How long can I keep the turkey carcass before making soup?
It's best to use it within 3 to 4 days after the meal . If you can't , just freeze it right away .
2. Can I use a chicken carcass instead?
Sure , chicken or any poultry works too . It will taste bit different but still good .
3. How long does it take to make turkey carcass soup?
Usually about 3 to 4 hours total , most of that is simmering time .
4. Do I need to roast the carcass first?
Roasting can give more color and flavour, but you can skip it if you’re in a rush .
Conclusion
Making turkey carcass soup is a smart way to use leftovers, save money and help the planet . It's easy to do and tastes great all week . Give it a try and you might start this as a new holiday tradition .
Turkey Carcass Soup
Equipment
- 1 large stockpot or Dutch oven
- 1 colander
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 turkey carcass from a roasted turkey, approximately 4-5 lbs
- 10 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped fresh or frozen
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- to taste servings salt and pepper
- 1 cup pasta or rice optional
Instructions
- Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot. Add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the stockpot with the turkey carcass. Stir in the potato, green beans, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and salt and pepper.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 1.5 - 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the turkey to become tender.
- After cooking, carefully remove the carcass from the pot. Let it cool slightly, and then shred any remaining meat from the bones with a fork.
- Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot, and if you are adding pasta or rice, include it at this point and cook according to the package instructions.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
