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Turkey Carcass Soup

This hearty and nourishing turkey carcass soup is the perfect way to utilize leftover turkey bones and create a comforting dish filled with vegetables and wholesome flavors. Ideal for chilly days, it's a great way to reduce waste and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 250 kcal

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.

Notes

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables such as peas or corn.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar before serving.