This Old Fashioned Turkey Soup recipe, passed down from my Grandma, transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a nourishing and flavorful meal. It’s a rich and delicious way to savor the holiday spirit long after the feast has ended. This soup truly tastes like a bowl of love, brimming with wholesome ingredients and simmered to perfection.
Making the Most of Your Turkey: From Carcass to Culinary Delight
Unlike chicken stock, which often uses a whole chicken, this recipe starts with the turkey carcass. The bones, having simmered for an extended period, release collagen that transforms into gelatin, creating a stock with unmatched richness and depth. This slow simmering process is key to coaxing out all the flavor from the turkey bones.
A Taste of Nostalgia: Old-Fashioned Goodness in Every Bowl
This old fashioned turkey soup is packed with nutrients and wholesome ingredients, reminiscent of the nourishing meals our parents and grandparents enjoyed. It delivers a homemade taste that surpasses any canned soup.
Crafting the Perfect Turkey Carcass Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is divided into two main stages: making the turkey stock and then transforming it into soup.
Making the Turkey Stock:
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Gather your ingredients: You’ll need the turkey carcass (stripped of meat), fresh parsley, thyme, sage (tied in a bundle), a yellow onion, carrots, celery (ribs and tops), a bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt.
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Simmer to perfection: Place the carcass and all other ingredients in a large pot, cover with water, and simmer for 4 hours. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface. Strain the stock and discard the solids.
Transforming Stock into Soup:
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Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Bloom the spices: Stir in poultry seasoning, dried thyme, sage, and a bay leaf. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
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Combine and simmer: Pour in the strained turkey stock and add Better Than Bouillon (for enhanced poultry flavor). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
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Add noodles and turkey: Incorporate frozen egg noodles (partially thawed) and cook until almost tender. Finally, add leftover cooked turkey and simmer until heated through.
Tips for Success:
- Stock Shortages: Supplement with prepared chicken broth if you run low on turkey stock.
- Noodle Know-How: If using frozen noodles, thaw slightly before adding to the soup. They take longer to cook than dried pasta.
- Pasta Variety: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Smaller pasta works well in soup.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this hearty soup with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread for dipping.
Storage and Freezing:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze soup without noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Add noodles when reheating.
This old fashioned turkey soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. It’s a way to connect with family, savor flavors, and minimize food waste. Enjoy this comforting and delicious soup that warms both the body and the soul.
