Easy & Hearty Homestyle Turkey Carcass Soup Recipe

Description

Ultra savory broth with fall off the bone flavor, loaded with tender veggies and turkey. Comforting, protein packed solution for holiday leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey carcass (with some meat attached)
• 12 cups (2.8L) cold water
• 1 large onion, quartered (skin on for color)
• 3 carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 2 cups (280g) cooked turkey, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100g) egg noodles (omit for GF)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)

Instructions

1. Simmer Broth: Place carcass, water, quartered onion, chopped carrots/celery, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer partially covered for 1.5-2 hours, skimming foam occasionally.
2. Strain Broth: Remove carcass and solids using tongs. Pour broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl; discard solids. Measure 8-10 cups (2-2.4L) broth; skim excess fat if desired.
3. Pick Meat: Once carcass is cool enough to handle, shred all remaining meat into bite-sized pieces; discard bones.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in the cleaned pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine & Simmer: Pour reserved broth into the pot. Bring to a simmer. Cook 15-20 minutes until carrots are fork-tender.
6. Add Turkey & Extras: Stir in shredded turkey and frozen peas. If using noodles, add now and cook per package time (usually 8-10 mins).
7. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. (Doneness Test: Vegetables should be tender but not mushy).