Don’t waste the turkey carcass! Combined with water and a few stray vegetables, this is a gold mine of flavor and the basis for Soup Stock which is the beginning of delicious turkey and veg soup.
The day after Thanksgiving means leftovers and in this household that means turkey soup; this soup can be made entirely from the “leftovers” from Thanksgiving dinner.
After dinner, clean any remaining meat from the bird and set aside
Cut down remaining carcass to fit into a large pot.
Add 1/2 an onion, 2 large carrots (cut/break in thirds), and 2 stalks of celery. Cover completely with fresh (filtered) water. Place into a 195 degree oven for 3 – 4 hours. Skim and strain. Set aside what you’ll need for the soup and freeze the rest (for risotto, rice or more soup).
This is the stock after the carcass and vegetables have been removed, but before the fat is skimmed and the broth strained.
NOTE for stock: When preparing vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner, set aside (covered bowl or zipper lock bag) the vegetable trimmings (tops, ends, skin) and use them in the stock later in the evening.
Look for these leftovers --
celery and carrots from the vegetable tray
corn or any other vegetable (unbuttered or rinse thoroughly)
turkey meat
You might also consider: brown or unseasoned white rice, fresh spinach, green onions, cauliflower, beans
TURKEY and VEG SOUP
6 – 8 C turkey stock
1.5 C celery, diced
1.5 C carrots, diced
1 C corn
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Warm stock in soup pan. Bring to medium heat (do not boil).
2. Add carrots and celery. Tear bay leaf in half, add. Cook for 15 - 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Time will ultimately be dependant upon the size of the dice.
3. Add turkey and corn and any other vegetables, rice or other items from the leftovers. Cover pot and heat completely, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve with yesterday’s leftover bread or dinner rolls.
This is a very simple, straightforward soup that is not highly seasoned. Most of the flavor is from the amazing stock that turkey bones produce.
