Savory Turkey & Veggie Soup
This delightful Savory Turkey & Veggie Soup is the perfect solution for utilizing your turkey carcass post-Thanksgiving, or any time you have leftover turkey. This adaptable soup is loaded with hearty vegetables and can be customized based on what you have on hand. With a rich, flavorful broth, tender pasta or rice, and a vibrant medley of ingredients, this comforting dish warms the soul and nourishes the body. Perfect for chilly days and gatherings, it’s a recipe that brings the family together and celebrates the spirit of resourcefulness in the kitchen. Originally adapted from Bon Appetit (October 1985), it has become a cherished tradition in my home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
Cooked turkey carcass
1 (chopped into large pieces)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Carrot
1 (chopped)
Celery stalk
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (crushed)
Dried thyme or sage
1 pinch
Water
6-12 cups (to cover turkey carcass)
Chicken bouillon cubes (optional)
3
Tomato
1 (chopped)
Turkey gravy (optional)
to taste
Pan juices (optional)
to taste
Pasta (small shapes or egg noodles)
6-8 ounces
Celery stalk
1 (sliced)
Carrots
2 (peeled and sliced)
Mushroom
1 cup (sliced)
Parsley
3 tablespoons (minced)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey carcass and brown lightly, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until it develops a nice color.
2
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, crushed garlic, and thyme (or sage) to the pot. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
3
Pour in enough water to cover the turkey carcass completely (about 6-12 cups), and add the chicken bouillon cubes for an extra flavor boost, if desired. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and any available gravy or pan juices. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Skim off any foam that may rise to the top.
5
After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, reserving the turkey pieces and discarding the solids. You should yield about 1-3 cups of shredded turkey which you can set aside.
6
Return the filtered broth to the pot (or use a clean pot). Bring it back to a boil and add in your chosen pasta (or rice), sliced celery, peeled and sliced carrots, and mushrooms (or other vegetables). Cook for 10-20 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
7
Once cooked, stir in the minced parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting aroma and flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey & Veggie Soup?
Savory Turkey & Veggie Soup is a comforting dish made using a turkey carcass and a variety of vegetables, perfect for utilizing leftovers after a holiday meal.
How do I use a leftover turkey carcass?
The carcass is chopped into large pieces, browned in butter, and then simmered with water and vegetables to create a rich, flavorful broth.
How long does it take to simmer the broth?
The broth should simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors from the turkey and vegetables to meld beautifully.
What vegetables are used in the initial broth stage?
The initial broth stage uses chopped onion, carrots, celery, crushed garlic, and chopped tomato.
What vegetables are added in the final cooking stage?
In the final stage, you add sliced celery, peeled and sliced carrots, and sliced mushrooms.
Can I use rice instead of pasta?
Yes, the recipe is adaptable and you can use either tender pasta or rice depending on your preference.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Small pasta shapes or egg noodles are recommended for this soup recipe.
Should I strain the broth?
Yes, after simmering for 2-3 hours, you should strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, reserving the shredded turkey and discarding the other solids.
How much turkey meat will I yield?
You should expect to yield approximately 1 to 3 cups of shredded turkey from the carcass to put back into the soup.
Can I add leftover gravy to the soup?
Yes, adding turkey gravy is an optional way to boost the flavor of the broth.
How much water do I need to cover the carcass?
You will generally need between 6 to 12 cups of water to completely cover the turkey carcass.
What herbs are best for seasoning?
A pinch of dried thyme or sage is recommended to complement the turkey flavor.
Is chicken bouillon required?
Chicken bouillon cubes are optional but can be used for an extra flavor boost in the broth.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cloves of garlic that have been crushed.
When do I add the parsley?
Minced parsley should be stirred in once the pasta and vegetables are tender, just before serving.
How long do the vegetables and pasta need to cook?
The pasta and final vegetables should be cooked for about 10 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
Can I use pan juices in the soup?
Yes, adding pan juices from the roasted turkey is a great way to add depth to the soup.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is melting butter in a large Dutch oven and browning the chopped turkey carcass for 8 to 10 minutes.
Should I skim the broth while it simmers?
Yes, it is recommended to skim off any foam that rises to the top while the broth is simmering.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for sautéing.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe and a great way to be resourceful in the kitchen with leftovers.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was originally adapted from a 1985 issue of Bon Appetit.
What should I do if the broth isn't flavorful enough?
You can add bouillon cubes, turkey gravy, pan juices, or extra salt and pepper to taste.
What is the purpose of browning the carcass?
Browning the carcass for several minutes helps develop a nicer color and a deeper flavor for the broth.
Are there vegetarian options for this soup?
While the recipe is built around a turkey carcass, it is noted as having a 'vegetarian option' tag, implying vegetables can be substituted for meat-based components.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients listed for this Savory Turkey & Veggie Soup.
What type of pot is best?
A large Dutch oven or a large soup pot is ideal for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
The carrots added in the final stage should be peeled and sliced.
Is this soup good for gatherings?
Yes, it is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely, the soup is highly adaptable and can be customized based on whatever hearty vegetables you have on hand.