If you’re still struggling with repurposing the leftovers of your Thanksgiving dinner, you’re not alone. Instead of going for the same turkey sandwich over and over again, you can try something else instead. Something that tastes just like what your mom made. How about a delicious turkey soup to keep you warm and your belly full? If you just nodded, then get your apron on, and let’s start cooking!
Turkey Soup: The Ingredients
For the Stock: ● 1 turkey carcass (leftovers from carving a whole turkey) ● 1 or 2 carrots, roughly chopped ● 1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges ● 1 celery rib and celery tops, chopped ● 1 or 2 springs of fresh thyme (dried is also fine) ● Several sprigs of fresh parsley ● 1 bay leaf ● Kosher salt ● 5 to 10 peppercorns ● Freshly ground black pepper ● Cold water
For the soup: ● 3 to 4 quarts of the turkey stock ● 2 to 4 cups of leftover shredded or chopped cooked turkey meat ● 4 to 8 ounces of egg noodles or 1 cup of dry rice (optional) ● 1 or 2 tablespoons of butter (or turkey fat) ● 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped onion ● 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped carrots ● 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped celery ● 2 cloves of garlic, minced ● Chopped fresh parsley, Kocher salt, and freshly ground pepper (to taste) ● 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or a mix of thyme, marjoram, sage, and/or a bouillon cube
Turkey Soup: The Directions
Make the Stock
Add all ingredients for the stock in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and remove the foam. Make sure to add any drippings and giblets (not the liver) that weren’t already used. Add salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for at least four hours. Strain it and set it aside.
Make the Turkey Soup
Start by sautéing the celery, carrots, and onions. Then, add the garlic to toast for a minute and then pour the stock. Add the seasoning and let it cook. If you’re adding noodles or rice, now is the time to add them to the mix. If not, add the turkey meat, let it cook for a few minutes to get nice and warm, and serve. Top with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
Enjoy your turkey soup with a side of freshly toasted bread with herbs for extra flavor!