Turkey Carcass Soup Recipe

Turkey carcass soup is a deliciously rustic dish that transforms leftovers into something heartwarming and satisfying. After the turkey feast has ended, the leftover carcass holds the key to a rich, flavorful broth, simmered to perfection over time. This humble soup carries the essence of a festive meal, with every spoonful capturing the savory depth of the turkey. The comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights spent together. The soup’s ability to bring out the best in what’s left behind makes it not only a practical dish but also a celebration of resourcefulness and culinary tradition. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as part of a larger meal, turkey carcass soup offers a warm, satisfying reminder of the joy and nourishment that food can bring.

Turkey Carcass Soup

Turkey carcass soup is a flavorful and comforting dish made by simmering a turkey carcass to create a rich, hearty broth. This soup is an excellent way to make the most of leftovers after a holiday feast, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into a nourishing meal.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, European

Servings 12

Calories 133 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 turkey carcass
• 4 quarts water
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
• 6 small potatoes, diced
• 4 large carrots, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1½ cups shredded cabbage
• ½ cup uncooked barley
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 large bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 pinch dried thyme

Instructions

 

• Add the turkey carcass to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about an hour, allowing the remaining meat to fall off the bones, enriching the broth with deep, savory flavors.
• Take the turkey carcass out of the pot and set it aside. Carefully pull off any remaining meat, chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and carcass.
• Pour the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a clean soup pot to remove any impurities. Stir in the chopped turkey and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Lower the heat and add the tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, cabbage, barley, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings—salt, parsley, basil, bay leaf, pepper, paprika, poultry seasoning, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour, or until the vegetables are soft and the flavors have fully developed.