Turkey Soup Recipes

If you're looking for turkey soup recipes, here is my easy to follow guide for making a perfect turkey soup.

The Best Holiday Gift is the Turkey Carcass

One of the things I like best about Thanksgiving and Christmas...the turkey carcass. I can hardly wait for the dinner to be over so I can get what's left to throw in the soup pot. Turkey soup has got to be the best part of the whole turkey eating process.

The leftover turkey sandwich runs a close second so I usually save some of the meat for that purpose. But once I have had 1 or 2 sandwiches, in the pot she goes.

Each Turkey Soup is it's Own Creation

I really don't have any particular turkey soup recipe and it usually depends what other leftovers are available. Each turkey soup recipe has a personality of its own, kind of like a work of art. In my opinion anything goes when it comes to turkey soup making.

The Whole Carcass Goes in the Pot

I usually start by breaking up the carcass into smaller pieces, cracking the larger bones, and throw the whole works into the pot (usually my biggest pot). Then I cover it with water by 2 or 3 inches and simmer it over a very low heat while covered.

Simmer Until the Meat Falls Off the Bones

After a few hours the meat will start to fall off the bones. Once the meat is free of all the bones I run the soup through a strainer and let the stock cool. I separate all the bones from the meat and discard them.

Once the stock has completely cooled, I skim the fat from the surface and return the stock to the pot and reheat it. The meat is returned to the pot along with an onion or two, a couple of bay leaves, and a good amount of minced garlic.

Barley, Rice, or Maccaroni

I usually like to use either barley, rice, or maccaroni in my turkey soup recipes, with a preference for barley. I throw a handful or two in the pot before any other vegetables go in. The same with rice or maccaroni. Once this becomes tender, then I begin adding my veggies.

No Vegetable is Safe From the Pot

I personally like lots of vegetables in my turkey soup recipes. Potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, peas, celery, and green pepper are among my favorite vegetables to use...but I wouldn't rule any out. It depends what I have on hand and I especially like using any leftovers from the turkey dinner.

I often use potatoes to thicken the soup somewhat and will add a few right away and let them cook right down. After they have completely dissolved then I start adding the other vegetables, plus a few more potatoes, saving the broccoli and green pepper for last.

Add the Seasonings You Like

Once the vegetables are tender, add your favorite seasonings. If the soup isn't thick enough, mix a little flour and water and add it to the soup, bringing it to a boil until it thickens. If it is too thick, add a little more hot water. Remove the bay leaves and serve.

This Turkey Soup Recipe is Indestructable

The main thing is...don't be scared to experiment. You can't hurt a turkey soup and I find that each year they just get better and better. If there is any soup that isn't eaten just put it in the freezer for later. Remember...its a long time between Christmas and Thanksgiving.

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