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Our family has a special way to use those Thanksgiving leftovers that can't be beat! I watched my mom for ages turning the turkey bones into something magical before I got the hang of it myself. When you mix that homemade broth with soft veggies and big pieces of leftover turkey, you end up with a bowl that warms your soul. Nothing made me prouder than when mom tried my version and couldn't tell the difference from hers!
What Makes This Soup Stand Out
We're not talking about any regular turkey soup here! When you make your own broth from what's left of the bird, you get this amazing flavor that store-bought stuff just can't match. My brother-in-law couldn't stop talking about it last Thanksgiving, saying he enjoyed it more than the main meal. And you know it's good when the little ones skip the leftover pizza and ask for seconds of soup instead!
Ingredients You'll Want
- For Your Homemade Broth: Turkey carcass with all the bits, Chunky carrots freshly cut, Green celery stalks, One large onion, Several peeled garlic cloves, Aromatic bay leaves, Black peppercorns
- For Your Complete Soup: Extra veggies finely diced, Chunks of turkey meat, Your choice of egg noodles, Special herb seasoning blend, Handful of fresh parsley to garnish
Let's Get Started
- Brewing Your Base
- We'll kick things off by making our fantastic broth! Toss everything into your largest cooking pot and let it bubble away. Soon your whole house will smell incredible, just like the holiday all over again. It always makes me smile when family members wander into the kitchen wondering what's cooking!
- Putting It All Together
- With our wonderful broth ready, we throw in the fresh cut veggies and turkey bits. There's nothing quite like watching those little squares of carrots and celery turn just right. The moment those noodles go in, you'll notice everyone suddenly hanging around the stove!
- Finishing Touches
- This is where magic happens as everything blends together with just the right seasonings and plenty of green parsley sprinkled on top. You'll love how those egg noodles soak up all the tasty juices from the broth.
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Tips For Success
Want to know what mom always taught me about turkey soup? Give that broth plenty of time to cook down, it gets tastier the longer it goes! Cut your veggies about the same size so they finish cooking together. And her best trick? Don't throw the noodles in until you're almost ready to eat, so they stay firm!
Ready To Enjoy
We always pull out the big soup bowls and add extra fresh parsley on top. You can't forget some fresh baked bread or fluffy biscuits on the side to mop up every last drop! This soup makes anyone who drops by during the holiday weekend feel right at home.
Getting Ahead
You know what works really well? Make your broth while cleaning up after the big meal! Keep it in the fridge and whip up the soup next day. I sometimes freeze portions of the broth so we can have a taste of the holidays when winter really sets in.
Your Own Twist
Feel free to switch things up! I sometimes toss in whatever veggies need using up from the fridge. My children go crazy when I swap the egg noodles for tiny star pasta shapes. One time I tried adding leftover stuffing as tiny dumplings and wow, that changed everything! The fun part is finding what combo works best for your family.
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The Meaning Behind The Meal
This soup has grown into something bigger than just eating up leftovers, it's now part of how we celebrate! There's real joy in taking something that might've gone to waste and turning it into a whole new amazing meal. My kids are learning good habits about using everything up while watching us create something tasty from every bit of our holiday turkey.
It's not just about how good it tastes but how it keeps our family traditions alive! Whether you make it the day after your big feast or pull some frozen broth out in the middle of January, this soup always brings back happy memories and warms you from inside. And isn't that exactly what we want from recipes passed down through generations?
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes homemade stock worth it?
Making your own stock gives better flavor and more nutrients than store-bought. Plus, it's an awesome way to use turkey bones and get every bit of flavor from them.
- → Why do I skim foam off stock?
Removing the foam clears out impurities that come up while cooking, leaving you with a cleaner, better-tasting broth.
- → Can I freeze leftover stock?
Yep, you can freeze it for up to six months. Reduce it to save freezer space, then add water when you're ready to cook.
- → Should I avoid adding liver?
Skip liver because it can make the stock taste bitter. Feel free to use other giblets, but leave the liver out.
- → Is it okay to skip noodles or rice?
Absolutely, go for just veggies and turkey. It's still delicious and makes the soup gluten-free and lower in carbs!
Conclusion
Create a warm turkey soup by starting with homemade stock. Use turkey bones, herbs, and fresh veggies for a satisfying, hearty bowl.