Turkey Bone Soup Recipe – Ideal For Chilly Evenings

Delight in the warmth of turkey bone soup recipe! Embrace the savory, succulent taste. Gather around this dish, a star in home kitchens. Its robust flavor, rich texture, and nourishing ingredients make every bowl irresistible. 

This soup, a traditional marvel, blends health and indulgence. Savor the depth of flavors; each spoonful offers a unique experience. Simmered turkey bones unleash a symphony of taste; paired with fresh vegetables, they impart a wholesome richness. 

This delicacy is more than just a dish—it’s an experience, a ritual of love. Savory, hearty, and comforting, it captures the essence of homestyle cooking. Crafted with care, every ingredient harmonizes perfectly. The result? A soup that warms the heart and feeds the soul. 

So gather around as we delve into making this delightful dish—a journey that begins with just one recipe. Enjoy the goodness of Turkey Bone Soup today; it’s time to savor the flavors that fuel life.

What Is Turkey Bone Soup?

Turkey Bone Soup is a hearty, nourishing recipe that uses leftover turkey bones. It’s prepared by simmering the bones with fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices to create a flavorful broth. This broth is then strained and combined with additional vegetables and shredded turkey meat. 

Cooked slowly, it extracts the maximum flavor and nutrients from the bones, resulting in a rich, savory soup. This soup is a classic comfort food, a delightful blend of taste and nutrition, ideal for chilly evenings.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

The Turkey Bone Soup recipe can be varied to cater to different dietary preferences:

• Keto/Paleo: Replace the white rice with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Ensure to use a keto/paleo-friendly broth.
• Gluten-Free: The basic recipe is already gluten-free as long as you ensure the broth and other canned goods are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels.
• Whole30: Follow the recipe but omit the beans and rice. Add in extra veggies or sweet potatoes, and ensure to use a Whole30-compliant broth.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the turkey carcass and cooked turkey breast with a veggie broth and hearty vegetables like mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use a variety of beans or lentils to add protein to the soup. As always, check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary restrictions.

Recipe Directions

• Place turkey carcass in a large stockpot, and add chicken broth, onion, celery, and garlic. Boil and simmer for 2 hours.
• Remove carcasses and vegetables. Blend vegetables with some stock, then pour back into the pot.
• Separate meat from the carcass, and add chopped turkey, vegetables, rice, kidney beans, and spices to the stock.
• Boil soup, then simmer until rice is tender.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Turkey Bone Soup is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your personal taste. Here are some ideas for variations, add-ons, and toppings:

Variations

• Hearty Grains: Substitute rice with other grains like barley or quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
• Spice it Up: To add heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Add-Ons

• Protein Boost: Add lentils or chickpeas for an additional protein source.
• Extra Veggies: Include more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme while simmering the broth for more depth of flavor.

Toppings

• Crunch: Sprinkle some crispy fried onions or croutons for an added crunch.
• Cheesy: Add a handful of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a gooey finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Top the soup with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Extra Heat: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes on top for a spicy kick.

Can I Make Turkey Bone Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Both slow cookers and Instant Pots offer great ways to prepare Turkey Bone Soup.

Slow Cooker

• Place the turkey carcass, onion, celery, and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour over the chicken broth, making sure to mostly cover the carcass. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Once done, remove the carcass and set aside. Remove the vegetables, blend with some stock, then return the puree to the slow cooker.
• Separate the meat from the carcass, add it back into the cooker along with the other ingredients: chopped turkey, mixed vegetables, rice, beans, and spices.
• Cover and cook on high for another hour, or until the rice is tender.

Instant Pot

• Put the turkey carcass, onion, celery, and garlic in the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Secure the lid, and set to manual pressure for 45 minutes.
• After the cooking time, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
• Follow the same steps of removing the carcass and vegetables, blending the vegetables with some stock, and adding the meat back in, along with the rest of the ingredients.
• Close the lid again, set the pot to manual pressure for 10 minutes. After the cooking time, do a quick release.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can absolutely use store-bought broth for Turkey Bone Soup. It’s a convenient option when you need more time to make your own. When choosing a store-bought broth, look for low-sodium options, as this allows you to control the salt content in your soup.

However, if you have the time, making your own broth can provide a richer, more nuanced flavor. Homemade broth also allows you to take full advantage of the turkey carcass, extracting all the nutrients and flavor possible. Plus, you have control over all the ingredients, which is great if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

How To Serve ?

Serving Turkey Bone Soup can be a delightful experience with the right presentation and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

• Bowl Selection: Opt for deep bowls to hold the rich broth and chunky ingredients. A wide, shallow bowl can also showcase the colorful ingredients.
• Garnish: Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of green color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or paprika could add a touch of heat and color.
• Accompaniments: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the hearty, warming soup.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese can be offered on the side for those who wish to sprinkle some over their soup for added flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Some enjoy a squeeze of fresh lemon in their soup. Offer lemon wedges for individual seasoning.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like a piece of warm, crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the rich broth of the soup.
• Salad: A light, fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the heartiness of the soup. Try a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, a lemon vinaigrette, or a crisp cucumber and dill salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Root vegetables roasted with olive oil, salt, and fresh herbs can complement the soup’s savory flavors.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, the richness of a grilled cheese sandwich goes well with the savory soup, providing a satisfying contrast.
• Quinoa Salad: For a more substantial side, try a quinoa salad tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables and a light dressing.
• Baked Sweet Potato: Baked sweet potatoes with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
• Sautéed Greens: Sautéed spinach or kale with garlic and a dash of lemon juice can add a nutritious, flavorful side dish to the meal.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Turkey Bone Soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld over time.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup for longer storage. Remove bones before freezing to prevent an off-taste. Frozen soup is good for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the broth in advance, simmering turkey bones with aromatics. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, heat the broth and add veggies and cooked turkey, ensuring a fresh taste.
• Separate Ingredients: Keep pasta or rice separate if adding, preventing them from absorbing too much liquid. Add these elements when reheating for optimal texture.
• Flavor Development: Allow the soup to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight after cooking to enhance its depth of flavor.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftovers of Turkey Bone Soup provide a plethora of options for creative meals.

• Turkey Rice Casserole: Combine leftover soup with a bit of cream, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a quick casserole.
• Pot Pie Filling: Use the soup as a filling for a turkey pot pie. Add a pastry crust on top and bake.
• Pasta Sauce: Thicken the soup with a bit of flour and serve over pasta for a hearty dish.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mix leftover soup with cooked rice and use it to stuff bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender.
• Enchilada Filling: Use the turkey and vegetables as a filling for enchiladas. Top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake.
• Grain Bowls: Serve warmed leftovers over a bed of quinoa or farro for a healthy grain bowl.

Turkey Bone Soup Recipe – Ideal For Chilly Evenings

5 from 4 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soup Recipe

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Savor the comforting warmth of Turkey Bone Soup, a nourishing, flavorful dish crafted from the rich broth of a turkey carcass, aromatic veggies, and hearty beans

Ingredients

• 1 1 Turkey Carcass, Cooked

• 14 ounce 14 Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

• 1 1 Onion, Quartered

• 1 stalk 1 Celery, Cut Into 2 Inch Pieces

• 4 cloves 4 Garlic, Crushed

• 2 cups 2 Cooked Turkey Breast, Chopped

• 16 ounce 16 Frozen Mixed Vegetables

• 1 cup 1 Uncooked White Rice

• 15 ounce 15 Kidney Beans, Rinsed And Drained

• Salt And Pepper (To Taste)

• 1 tablespoon 1 Dried Oregano

• 1 tablespoon 1 Dried Basil

• 1 teaspoon 1 Paprika

Directions

• Begin by placing the cooked turkey carcass in a large stockpot with a lid.
• Pour the chicken broth into the pot, mostly covering the carcass.
• Add the quartered onion, celery pieces, and crushed garlic into the pot.
• Turn the heat to medium, bring the mix to a boil, then cover the pot.
• Allow the soup to simmer for two hours, rotating the carcass from time to time.
• Once done, carefully remove the carcass and set it aside to cool.
• Remove the onion, celery, and garlic from the pot.
• Place the removed vegetables into a blender. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the stock, ensuring the blender is not more than half full.
• Using a folded kitchen towel, firmly hold down the blender’s lid.
• Start the blender with a few quick pulses to start the pureeing process, then let it run.
• Pour the pureed vegetables back into the pot with the stock.
• Separate as much cooked turkey meat from the cooled carcass as possible.
• Add this meat to the stock in the pot.
• Next, stir in the chopped turkey breast, frozen mixed vegetables, uncooked rice, canned kidney beans, and the spices: salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika.
• Bring the soup to a boil again, then cover the pot and let it simmer until the rice is cooked through approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
• Once the rice is tender, your Turkey Bone Soup is ready to be enjoyed!
• EQUIPMENT LIST
• Large Stockpot
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• Blender or Immersion Blender
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Stirring Spoon
• Ladle
• Strainer

Notes

• For a thicker soup, you can blend more of the vegetables or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water).
• The soup’s flavor develops over time. Consider making it a day ahead and reheating it before serving it for an even richer taste.
• The turkey carcass can be stored in the freezer if you’re not ready to use it immediately.
• Be mindful of the sodium content when using store-bought broth. Adjust additional salt accordingly.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make this soup your own.
• Leftover soup can be repurposed in a variety of creative dishes, from pot pies to grain bowls.

Nutrition Table 

• Author
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Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!

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