Perfect Christmas Turkey Soup — The Best Use for Leftover Turkey

Turkey soup from the Christmas carcass is the best leftover meal of the year. Rich; deep; warming. Make Boxing Day morning; eat all week.

The recipe (serves 8)

Ingredients

• Turkey carcass (Christmas leftovers)
• 2-3 cups leftover turkey meat
• 2 onions; chopped
• 3 carrots; chopped
• 3 celery stalks; chopped
• 4 cloves garlic; minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh thyme + parsley
• 8 cups water OR chicken broth
• 1 cup egg noodles OR wild rice
• Salt + pepper

Method

1. Place carcass in large pot
2. Cover with water; add bay leaves; thyme; onion
3. Simmer 3-4 hours (the longer; the better)
4. Strain stock; discard bones
5. In same pot; sauté carrots; celery; remaining onion; garlic
6. Return stock; add turkey meat
7. Simmer 30 minutes
8. Add noodles or rice; cook until tender
9. Season; garnish with parsley

Variations

• Turkey tortilla soup (with chili powder; lime; tortilla strips)
• Turkey wild rice soup (with mushrooms)
• Turkey vegetable soup (more vegetables; less rice)
• Turkey curry soup (with curry paste + coconut milk)

Cross-references

For Christmas leftover strategy — broader leftovers.

For Christmas leftovers recipes — more recipes.

For perfect Christmas turkey — the original turkey.

Perfect Christmas turkey soup is the deeply satisfying use for the carcass. Rich; warming; serves a week of meals. Boxing Day perfect.