Don't Throw Away That Turkey Carcass

Transform your holiday leftovers into comforting magic with "Don't Throw Away That Turkey Carcass," a hearty homemade turkey soup that makes the most of every last bite. This recipe starts with simmering a leftover turkey carcass to create a rich and flavorful broth infused with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, as well as herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Perfectly customizable, you can add tender egg noodles or shredded turkey for extra heartiness. Not only is this recipe a delicious way to reduce food waste, but it's also the ultimate cozy meal that's perfect for chilly days. Garnished with fresh parsley, this soup is a satisfying way to extend your holiday feast while warming both body and soul.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 Turkey carcass
• 12 cups Water
• 1 Yellow onion, quartered
• 2 Carrots, chopped
• 2 Celery stalks, chopped
• 4 Garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 Bay leaves
• 4 Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
• 2 cups Egg noodles (optional)
• 2 cups Cooked turkey meat, shredded (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Place the turkey carcass in a large soup pot or stockpot.

Step 2

Add 12 cups of water, ensuring the carcass is fully submerged.

Step 3

Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, salt, and peppercorns to the pot.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

Step 5

Carefully remove the carcass and large pieces of vegetables using tongs or a slotted spoon. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 6

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another large pot or heatproof bowl to remove any remaining solids.

Step 7

Optionally, pick off any remaining turkey meat from the carcass and return it to the strained broth.

Step 8

Return the broth to the stove and bring it to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust for salt as needed.

Step 9

If desired, add egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.

Step 10

Stir in shredded turkey meat, if using, and cook just until heated through.

Step 11

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4395.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1627.6

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 564.9mg	0%
Sodium 3157.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 20.2g
Protein 183.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 548.8mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 3240.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.7%

Protein: 46.1%

Carbs: 36.2%