Introduction:

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a savory turkey soup that’s made from the leftovers! The best way to make use of your turkey carcass is by transforming it into a delicious and hearty soup. This recipe is simple, versatile, and full of flavor that the entire family will love. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the best turkey carcass soup.

Ingredients:

– 1 turkey carcass, with some meat still attached

– 10 cups of water

– 2 celery stalks, chopped

– 2 carrots, chopped

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: cooked rice, noodles or barley for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turkey Carcass: Remove any large pieces of meat from the carcass and save them for another use. Break the carcass into smaller pieces so that it fits into a large stockpot or slow cooker.

2. Make the Stock: Add the turkey carcass pieces to the stockpot or slow cooker along with the water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for at least two hours—this will extract all of the flavors from the bones. Skim off any foam that may accumulate on top.

3. Strain the Stock: Using a colander or fine mesh strainer, strain the stock into a large bowl and discard the bones. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before skimming off and discarding any excess fat from the top.

4. Cook Your Vegetables: In your now-empty pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and sauté your carrots, celery, onions, and garlic until they are soft and beginning to brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the strained stock back into the pot with your sautéed vegetables, along with the bay leaves and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes.

6. Customize Your Soup: You may want to add any leftover turkey meat you’ve saved during this step, ensuring it’s heated through. If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding cooked rice, noodles or barley.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once your soup is cooked to your desired thickness, discard the bay leaves and ladle it into bowls for serving. Enjoy your delicious turkey carcass soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This simple yet flavorful turkey soup is a great way to use up any leftovers from your holiday meal while creating a nutritious dish that everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and seasonings or swap out different vegetables based on your preference to make this recipe all your own!