turkey soup recipe from bones
The Best turkey soup recipe from bones
This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding a hungry family after a long week, or just craving something nourishing on a lazy Sunday. The turkey bones give it a hearty, meaty depth that makes it feel indulgent without being heavy, and the vegetables add freshness that balances out the richness. My husband always says it’s the only soup he’ll eat when he’s sick, and honestly, I’ve never been disappointed. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients—collagen supports joints and skin, the vitamins from the vegetables boost immunity, and the protein keeps you full for hours. It’s a real health win, but it doesn’t taste like it’s trying too hard. That’s what makes it my favorite.
Turkey Bone Broth Soup
A rich, flavorful soup made from turkey bones, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a comforting meal. The broth is deeply savory and packed with nutrients.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 lbs turkey bones (necks, backs, or feet)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 lb turkey meat, diced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large stockpot, combine turkey bones, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme, smoked paprika, and vinegar. Cover with water and bring to a boil. -
2
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. -
3
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding solids. Return broth to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes to deepen flavor. -
4
In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced turkey meat and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. -
5
In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add diced potato and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in the strained broth and add frozen peas and corn. Simmer for 15 minutes. -
6
Return turkey meat to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
🔧Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Blender (optional, for blending broth)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the broth simmering.
- Use leftover turkey meat from a roast to save time.
- Strain and freeze broth in portions for future use.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of turkey meat and add more vegetables.
Watch Video Of How Turkey Bone Broth Soup Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bone Broth Soup
What is the best way to prepare turkey bones for making soup?
To prepare turkey bones for a delicious bone broth, start by removing any visible meat and fat from the bones. If using whole turkey carcasses, you can boil them for 30–45 minutes to remove excess meat and skin before simmering them to create broth. For extra flavor, you can also lightly toast the bones in a dry skillet before adding them to the pot.
How long should I simmer turkey bones for bone broth?
For a rich, flavorful bone broth, simmer turkey bones for 12–24 hours, preferably with the lid slightly off to allow steam to escape. This slow cooking process extracts collagen and minerals for a deep, savory broth. If you prefer a quicker method, you can simmer for 6–8 hours but may not get as deep a flavor.
What herbs and spices enhance the flavor of turkey bone broth?
Classic additions include bay leaves, black peppercorns, garlic cloves, onion skins, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. For extra depth, add a splash of apple cider vinegar (helps dissolve minerals) or a pinch of salt early in the simmering process. Avoid overcrowding—use a fine mesh strainer to remove solids before storing.
Can I use leftover turkey carcass from a holiday meal for soup?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey carcasses are perfect for bone broth—just rinse them well to remove excess meat and skin, then simmer them as directed. The longer you cook them (up to 24 hours), the richer the broth will be. Store-bought turkey carcasses (like those from butchers) also work well if cleaned properly.
How do I make turkey soup from the bone broth without extra meat?
Simply reduce the broth to a thick consistency by simmering it uncovered for 30–45 minutes until it’s the desired consistency. Then, add your choice of vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), herbs, and a splash of broth to make a creamy, flavorful soup. For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream or coconut milk at the end.
