Williamsburg Turkey Soup
A hearty, comforting turkey soup with a rich broth, tender meat, and flavorful rice, perfect for family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the turkey carcass and water in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the carcass from the broth; pick meat from the bones.
- Set the broth and meat aside. Measure the broth; add water if necessary to make 3 quarts.
- Heat butter in the Dutch oven.
- Add flour; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes to make a roux.
- Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery to the roux; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Return the broth and turkey meat to the Dutch oven.
- Add uncooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the simmering process. If you're out of turkey, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute. You can also swap long grain rice for wild rice or even quinoa for a different texture. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Orange-Pineapple Pie for dessert, adding a refreshing contrast. For extra flavor, consider garnishing each bowl with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Williamsburg Turkey Soup contains roughly 405 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 leftover turkey instead of a carcass?
Absolutely! If you have leftover turkey, simply use it instead of the carcass. You can skip the initial broth-making step and directly add the turkey to the roux with some chicken broth for flavor. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time for the rice accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop and check for seasoning adjustments.
What can I add to make this soup heartier?
To make this soup heartier, consider adding beans like white beans or chickpeas, or additional vegetables such as potatoes or green beans. You can also increase the amount of rice or add some diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
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).