Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup Recipe - Savor the Flavors

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

After Thanksgiving, many people are left with a turkey carcass and various leftovers. One delicious way to use up these leftovers is to make a hearty and comforting turkey soup. This Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup recipe is a great way to make the most out of your Thanksgiving feast.

History

Turkey soup has been a popular dish for many years, especially in American households after Thanksgiving. It is a great way to use up leftover turkey and create a warm and satisfying meal. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among many families.

Ingredients

1 turkey carcass
2 carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, plus 1 cup chopped celery
1 onion, quartered, plus 0.33 cup chopped onion
6 peppercorns
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups cooked and cubed turkey
1 can stewed tomatoes (8 oz / 227 g)
0.5 cup uncooked rice
0.5 cup dry sherry
2 bay leaves
0.5 tsp basil
1 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

Place the turkey carcass in a large kettle and cover it with water.
Add celery stalks, carrots, quartered onion, peppercorns, and bouillon cubes.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 2 – 3 hours.
Allow it to cool and skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
Remove the bones and skin from the kettle.
Save any pieces of meat to add to the soup later.
Strain the stock and add water, if needed, to make 2 qt (1.89 liter) of liquid.
Bring the stock to a boil.
Add the remaining ingredients, bring it to a boil again, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 1 hour.

Variations

Add in additional vegetables like potatoes, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use wild rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a different texture and taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the turkey carcass for a few hours to extract all the flavors from the bones.

- Skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the soup to create a clearer broth.

- Feel free to add in any additional vegetables or seasonings to customize the soup to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the turkey carcass for a few hours helps to extract all the flavors and nutrients from the bones, creating a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use any leftover vegetables or herbs you have on hand in this soup. You can also substitute chicken broth for the beef bouillon cubes if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup contains around 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this soup contains around 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

With the addition of turkey meat, this soup provides about 15 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey is a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium. The vegetables in the soup also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains turkey and beef bouillon cubes, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is a delicious and comforting way to use up leftover turkey and create a warm and satisfying meal. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender turkey meat, and hearty vegetables, this soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young newlywed, eager to impress my husband with my cooking skills. Thanksgiving had come and gone, and we were left with a mountain of leftovers, including a large turkey carcass that I didn't want to go to waste.

I called up my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious soups, and asked if she had any ideas for what I could do with all this leftover turkey. She excitedly told me about her Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup recipe, which she had learned from her own mother many years ago. She walked me through the steps over the phone, and I eagerly got to work in the kitchen.

I carefully picked the remaining meat off the turkey carcass, saving the bones for the broth. I chopped up some onions, carrots, and celery, and sautéed them in a large pot with some butter. I added in the turkey meat, along with some leftover gravy and stuffing from Thanksgiving dinner. I poured in some chicken broth and let it all simmer together, filling the house with the comforting aroma of a hearty soup.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood and the memories of my own grandmother's cooking. She was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals from scratch and never wasting a single scrap of food. I remembered the way she would hum and sing as she cooked, her hands moving with the grace and precision of a seasoned chef.

I realized then that cooking wasn't just about following a recipe or making a meal – it was about carrying on a tradition, passing down recipes and techniques from one generation to the next. It was about creating memories and bringing loved ones together around the dinner table. And that's exactly what I was doing with this Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it up to my husband with a side of warm, crusty bread. As he took his first spoonful, his eyes widened in delight, and he declared it the best soup he had ever tasted. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had made something truly special – something that would warm our hearts and bellies for years to come.

Since that day, I have made Martha's Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup every year without fail. It has become a beloved tradition in our household, a reminder of the warmth and joy of the holiday season. And each time I make it, I think of Martha and her mother, and my own grandmother, who inspired me to keep cooking and sharing these recipes with the ones I love.

So here's to you, Martha, and to all the wonderful cooks who have shared their recipes and their love with me over the years. Thank you for teaching me how to make this delicious soup, and for reminding me of the power of good food and good company. May we continue to cook and eat and laugh together for many years to come. Cheers to Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup, and to the joy of cooking!