Don’t Throw Away That Turkey Carcass!!!!

Overview:

Don’t let that leftover turkey carcass go to waste! Transform it into a rich and flavorful turkey stock that will elevate your soups, gravies, and sauces to new heights. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it an ideal way to make the most of your holiday or weeknight meals. Plus, with the option to freeze the stock for later use, you’ll always have a convenient flavor booster on hand in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 1 pot of stock
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Kosher, Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

1 turkey carcass
2 bay leaves
2 onions
2 carrots
1 sprig of thyme

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Gather your leftover turkey carcass, bay leaves, onions, carrots, and thyme sprig.
If the turkey carcass is still meaty, feel free to pick off any remaining meat for other recipes, but be sure to keep the bones and any attached bits for the stock.

2. Begin Cooking:

In a large stockpot, combine the turkey carcass, bay leaves, onions (halved), carrots (cut into chunks), and thyme sprig.
Add enough water to cover all the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.

3. Simmer:

Place the stockpot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape.

4. Infuse the Flavors:

Let the stock simmer gently for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the turkey bones to release their essence into the liquid.
Stir occasionally and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

5. Strain the Stock:

After simmering for an hour, remove the pot from the heat.
Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the stock into a clean container, discarding the solids. You should be left with a clear, golden liquid that’s rich in flavor.

6. Cool and Store:

Allow the turkey stock to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.
For convenience, consider pouring the stock into small Tupperware tubs or even ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can pop out individual portions as needed for recipes.

7. Enjoy and Share:

Your homemade turkey stock is now ready to enhance your favorite soups, stews, gravies, and sauces.
Store any leftover stock in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer-term storage. Remember to label your containers with the date for reference.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 138.4
Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 93mg
Carbohydrates: 32.3g
Fiber: 7.2g
Sugar: 15.1g
Protein: 3.6g

Tips and Variations:

Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to add additional aromatics like garlic, celery, peppercorns, or parsley for extra depth of flavor.
Customize to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding salt and pepper as needed. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices for unique variations.
Storage Options: In addition to freezing in containers, you can also pour cooled stock into freezer bags for space-saving storage. Lay the bags flat to freeze for easy stacking.
Creative Uses: Aside from traditional soups and sauces, consider using turkey stock as a flavorful cooking liquid for rice, grains, or braising vegetables.

Conclusion:

With this simple recipe, you’ll never look at a leftover turkey carcass the same way again. By transforming it into homemade turkey stock, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also elevate your culinary creations with rich, homemade flavor. Whether you’re cooking up a cozy winter soup or preparing a festive holiday feast, this versatile stock will be your secret ingredient for success. So, next time you roast a turkey, remember to save those bones and make a batch of delicious stock to enjoy all season long. Cheers to good food and resourceful cooking! 🦃🍲