Using up every part of a holiday turkey is a time-honored tradition, and nothing embodies that spirit better than making a comforting pot of old fashioned turkey soup from the carcass. It’s a great way to extend the life of your holiday meal and warm up those cold winter nights. In this article, I will instruct you how to make old fashioned turkey soup from scratch perfectly at home.

1. Old Fashioned Turkey Soup From Carcass (8 Servings)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 3 large Celery Ribs, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 3 large Carrots, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt, or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 quarts Turkey Stock, or chicken broth
  • 1 pound Shredded Turkey, about 4 cups
  • Fresh Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Season the Base: Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir to combine, letting the spices toast slightly to enhance their flavors.

Add the Stock: Pour in the turkey stock or chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer with the Carcass: If you still have the turkey carcass, add it to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. This allows the bones to release their flavors and enrich the broth.

Shred and Add the Turkey: Remove the carcass carefully, discarding any bones. Add the shredded turkey meat to the soup and let it warm through for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

2. Tips to Perfect Turkey Soup From Carcass

Roast the Carcass First: If time allows, roasting the turkey carcass before adding it to the soup can deepen the flavor of the broth. Simply place it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes before using.

Skim the Fat: While simmering, you may notice fat rising to the surface. Skimming it off periodically will result in a cleaner and lighter broth.

Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the pot can take the flavors to the next level. Remove the herbs before serving.

Don’t Skip the Simmer: The longer the soup simmers with the carcass, the richer the broth will taste. Aim for at least 45 minutes, but you can go up to 2 hours if time allows.

Adjust Consistency: If the soup feels too thick, add a little more broth or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to let it reduce slightly.

3. What to Eat With Turkey Soup

This old-fashioned turkey soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of rustic bread or fresh dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The combination of a gooey grilled cheese and hearty turkey soup is a match made in comfort-food heaven.

Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.

Biscuits: Fluffy homemade biscuits add a cozy, Southern touch.

Crackers: Serve the soup with buttery crackers for a simple yet satisfying pairing.

4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Proper storage and reheating ensure that your turkey soup stays fresh and flavorful for days:

Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze: To keep it even longer, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: When ready to enjoy, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Refresh the Flavors: After reheating, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of salt can brighten up the flavors.

By transforming your leftover turkey carcass into a delicious and nourishing soup, you create a meal that’s as practical as it is comforting. With simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a little creativity, this old-fashioned turkey soup becomes a timeless family favorite.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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