Making turkey soup from a leftover carcass is a fantastic way to minimize food waste and create a deeply flavorful, comforting meal. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips and tricks for maximizing flavor and minimizing effort. Forget bland broth—we're diving into a rich, savory soup packed with nutrients and the satisfying taste of Thanksgiving (or any turkey dinner!) repurposed.
What You'll Need:
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients:
- Turkey Carcass: The bones and leftover meat from your roasted turkey.
- Water: Enough to cover the carcass completely.
- Onion: 1 large, roughly chopped.
- Carrots: 2 large, roughly chopped.
- Celery: 2 stalks, roughly chopped.
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves, smashed.
- Bay Leaves: 2-3
- Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon, black or a mix of colors
- Salt: To taste (add sparingly at first, you can always add more later)
- Optional additions: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), vegetable scraps (onion peels, carrot tops), a splash of white wine or sherry for extra depth.
How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Soup From Carcass:
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Prepare the Carcass: Remove as much leftover meat as possible from the turkey carcass. Shred this meat and set it aside; we'll add it back later. Break the carcass into smaller pieces if necessary to fit into your slow cooker.
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Build the Broth: Place the turkey carcass in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Pour in enough water to completely submerge the carcass.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the broth will become.
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Strain the Broth: Once cooked, carefully remove the carcass and vegetables from the slow cooker. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth lined colander to remove any small bones or debris. Discard the solids.
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Skim the Fat: Allow the broth to cool slightly, then skim off any excess fat from the surface. This will result in a cleaner, less greasy soup.
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Add Back the Meat and Vegetables: Return the shredded turkey meat to the slow cooker. You can also add any other desired vegetables at this point – diced potatoes, noodles, or even leftover stuffing. Season with salt to taste.
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Simmer (Optional): If you've added other vegetables, simmer the soup for another 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
H2: How long can you keep turkey carcass soup in the fridge?
Leftover turkey carcass soup should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always ensure the soup is thoroughly cooled before refrigerating.
H2: Can I freeze turkey carcass soup?
Yes! Turkey carcass soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
H2: What can I do with leftover turkey carcass besides soup?
Besides soup, you can use the turkey carcass to make turkey stock, which can then be used as a base for other recipes. The leftover meat can also be added to salads, sandwiches, or casseroles.
H2: Is it safe to use a turkey carcass that's been sitting out for a while?
No, it's not safe to use a turkey carcass that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it's important to refrigerate the carcass as soon as possible after cooking.
Tips for Extra Flavor:
- Roast the vegetables: Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker will deepen their flavor.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary will add a fragrant touch.
- Use good quality salt: Using a high-quality sea salt or kosher salt will enhance the flavor of the soup.
This rich and flavorful crock pot turkey soup is a testament to the power of resourceful cooking. Enjoy the delicious results of transforming leftover turkey into a hearty and satisfying meal!
