Turkey-Carcass Soup
A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender turkey meat, vegetables, barley, and savory seasonings. Perfect for using leftover turkey or a roast carcass, this flavorful broth is satisfying and nourishing, ideal for family dinners or holiday leftovers craving warm, wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey carcass ⓘ
- 4 qt. water ⓘ
- 6 small potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 4 large carrots, diced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked barley
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove turkey meat from the carcass and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven, add the turkey carcass and remaining ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours or until all vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider roasting the turkey carcass before boiling it. You can substitute barley with rice or quinoa if preferred. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for variety. If you have leftover turkey meat, shred it and stir it back into the soup for extra protein, making it a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey-carcass soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Gobble Gobble Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of flavor and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey-Carcass Soup contains roughly 407 calories, with 15g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (146% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 use a different type of meat for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey carcass with chicken or beef bones for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying simmering times.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the turkey carcass and replace it with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables and legumes like lentils to enhance the soup's heartiness and protein content.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You can also include crushed red pepper flakes to taste, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your preference.
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).