Cozy Turkey Carcass Soup Recipe for Perfect Thanksgiving Leftovers
A comforting and hearty soup made from Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 turkey carcass
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or dill, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: rice, noodles, or potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey carcass: Break the carcass into smaller pieces if necessary to fit in your pot.
- Make the broth: Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot and cover it with water (about 12 cups). Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any foam as needed.
- Strain the broth: Carefully remove the carcass and vegetables from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pot.
- Add fresh veggies: If desired, add sliced carrots, celery, or potatoes to the strained broth. Simmer until the veggies are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!
Notes
For a brighter flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Leftover turkey meat makes a great addition to the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
Keywords: Turkey soup, Thanksgiving leftovers, Comfort food, Hearty soup, Homemade broth