Turkey Bone Gumbo
A hearty Louisiana-style gumbo featuring tender turkey, smoky sausage, and flavorful vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings with a rich, spicy taste.
Ingredients
- turkey bones ⓘ
- water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bacon drippings or oil ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 quarts turkey broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped turkey ⓘ
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- After turkey has been carved, put bones in plenty of water and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until meat falls off bones.
- Make a roux by combining bacon drippings and flour in a large pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until it darkens to a rich brown color.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and chopped celery to the roux.
- Cook until the vegetables are wilted.
- Add turkey broth, parsley, salt, pepper, dried basil, bay leaves, and Tabasco sauce to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then add chopped turkey and smoked sausage.
- Reduce heat and simmer for additional 30-45 minutes to develop flavors.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the gumbo. If you’re short on time, store-bought turkey broth can be a great substitute for homemade. You can also swap the smoked sausage for andouille for a spicier kick, similar to what you might find in some American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair it with warm cornbread or a side of Vi'S Baked Beans for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the gumbo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency and heat gently on the stove.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Bone Gumbo contains roughly 919 calories, with 24g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, this gumbo can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a little broth if needed to loosen it up.
What can I use instead of turkey bones?
If you don't have turkey bones, chicken bones or even a rotisserie chicken can be great alternatives. Simply simmer the bones to create a flavorful broth, similar to what you would achieve with turkey, ensuring a tasty base for your gumbo.
Is there a vegetarian option for this gumbo?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the turkey and sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth. You can also add beans for protein, ensuring a filling and satisfying dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).