Making turkey soup in a crock pot from a leftover turkey carcass is a fantastic way to maximize the deliciousness of your Thanksgiving or Christmas bird. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you create a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying soup. We'll cover everything from preparing the carcass to adding vegetables and achieving the perfect consistency. Let's get started!
What You'll Need:
- Turkey Carcass: The bones and remaining meat from a roasted turkey.
- Large Crock Pot: A 6-quart or larger crock pot is ideal for this recipe.
- Water: Enough to cover the carcass completely.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery (mirepoix), are essential. Feel free to add other favorites like potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or leeks.
- Aromatics: Bay leaves, thyme, parsley, peppercorns, and salt are classic choices.
- Optional additions: Noodles, rice, barley, or dumplings for thickening.
How to Prepare the Turkey Carcass for Crock Pot Soup:
Before you begin, it's crucial to properly prepare the turkey carcass. This step significantly impacts the flavor of your soup.
- Remove Excess Fat: Remove as much visible fat from the carcass as possible. This prevents the soup from becoming overly greasy.
- Break Down the Carcass (Optional but Recommended): Breaking the carcass into smaller pieces allows for better extraction of flavor and easier handling. Use a cleaver or heavy knife to cut the carcass into manageable sections.
- Rinse the Carcass: Rinse the carcass thoroughly under cold water to remove any lingering bits of fat or debris.
Crock Pot Turkey Soup Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Combine Ingredients: Place the prepared turkey carcass in your crock pot. Add enough water to completely cover the bones. Add your mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery), roughly chopped. Include your chosen aromatics – bay leaves, thyme sprigs, peppercorns, and salt.
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Cook on Low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. The goal is to extract all the collagen and flavor from the bones.
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Strain the Broth: Once cooked, carefully remove the carcass and vegetables from the crock pot. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any small bones or debris. Discard the solids. You can shred any remaining meat from the carcass and add it back to the soup later.
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Season and Adjust: Taste the broth and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices.
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Add Thickening Agent (Optional): If you desire a thicker soup, add noodles, rice, barley, or dumplings during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
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Shredded Turkey (Optional): Add the shredded turkey meat back into the soup for added protein and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I store leftover turkey soup in the crock pot?
Leftover turkey soup can be stored in the crock pot (unplugged) for up to 2 days. However, for longer storage, transfer the soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze turkey soup made in a crock pot?
Yes! Turkey soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
What are some variations on this crock pot turkey soup recipe?
You can add a wide variety of vegetables, beans, and grains to customize your soup. Consider adding wild rice, lentils, spinach, mushrooms, or even corn. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature flavor profile.
How do I make my crock pot turkey soup thicker?
Besides adding noodles or rice, you can thicken the soup by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can make a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) and whisk it into the soup.
Can I use a different type of poultry besides turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works equally well with chicken or duck carcasses. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
By following these steps and addressing the common questions, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and comforting crock pot turkey soup that will impress your family and friends. Remember to adjust the recipe to your liking and enjoy the flavorful results!
