How to Make Turkey Carcass Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Recipe

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This turkey carcass soup is the perfect way to enjoy every bit of your holiday bird. Packed with vegetables, barley, and savory herbs, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Freeze it for future meals or enjoy fresh for a comforting bowl of warmth.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 12

Ingredients for Turkey Carcass Soup

For the Broth:

  • 1 turkey carcass
  • 4 quarts water

For the Soup:

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
  • 6 small potatoes, diced
  • 4 large carrots, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cabbage
  • ½ cup uncooked barley
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 pinch dried thyme

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Broth

  1. Place the turkey carcass in a large soup pot.
  2. Pour in water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, allowing the remaining meat to fall off the bones.
  4. Remove the carcass and let it cool. Chop any remaining meat and discard the bones.

Strain and Combine Ingredients

  1. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a clean soup pot.
  2. Add the chopped turkey meat to the strained broth and bring it to a boil.

Cook the Soup

  1. Stir in chopped tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, cabbage, and barley.
  2. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, parsley, basil, bay leaf, pepper, paprika, poultry seasoning, and thyme.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  2. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for Customizing Your Turkey Carcass Soup

  • Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes and barley with cauliflower or zucchini for a keto-friendly version.
  • Extra Protein: Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for additional protein and fiber.
  • Freeze-Friendly Tip: Skip the potatoes if you plan to freeze the soup. They can become grainy after thawing.

Why This Recipe Fits a Healthy Lifestyle

This turkey carcass soup is naturally dairy-free and high in protein. The combination of turkey, vegetables, and barley makes it a nutrient-rich, balanced meal. With only 133 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free comfort food for any season.

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