Leftover Turkey Stock

Name: Leftover Turkey Stock
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 8 cups
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 carcass leftover turkey bones (from a roasted turkey); 2 litres water (8 cups); 2 large carrots (roughly chopped); 2 stalks celery (roughly chopped); 1 large onion (quartered); 3 cloves garlic (smashed); 2 sprigs thyme; 2 leaves bay; 10 whole black peppercorns; to taste salt

195 min 8 cups Easy

All Recipes

Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a rich, flavourful turkey stock with this easy recipe. Perfect for soups, stews, and more!

Prep

15 min

Cook

180 min

Total

195 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

After the Thanksgiving feast is over, you might find yourself with leftover turkey bones and scraps that are too good to waste. Making a homemade turkey stock is not only a fantastic way to use these leftovers, but it also provides a base for countless other dishes. This recipe for leftover turkey stock is simple and satisfying. The stock is rich in flavour, thanks to the roasted bones and aromatic vegetables. It's perfect for adding depth to soups, stews, and sauces. Whether you're an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and ensure that the turkey bones are broken down into manageable pieces.

Pro tip: Breaking down the bones helps extract more flavour.

Roast the bones

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the turkey bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes to deepen the flavour.

Pro tip: Roasting brings out a richer taste in the stock.

Combine ingredients

Place the roasted bones, vegetables, herbs, and water into a large stockpot.

Pro tip: Ensure all ingredients are submerged in water.

Simmer the stock

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 3 hours.

Pro tip: Skim the surface regularly to remove impurities and foam.

Strain the stock

After simmering, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl to remove solids.

Pro tip: For a clearer stock, strain it through cheesecloth.

Season and store

Taste the stock and season with salt as necessary. Allow it to cool before transferring to storage containers.

Pro tip: Use ice cube trays to freeze small portions for easy use.

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Tips & Tricks

Use a large pot to accommodate all ingredients.
Roast the turkey bones for deeper flavour.
Skim off any foam for a clearer stock.
Store in airtight containers for longer shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with leftover turkey stock?

Use it as a base for soups, stews, sauces, or to cook grains like rice and quinoa.

How long can you keep turkey stock in the fridge?

Store turkey stock in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can turkey stock be frozen?

Yes, turkey stock can be frozen for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Should I roast turkey bones before making stock?

Roasting turkey bones before making stock enhances the flavour and richness of the stock.

How do you make turkey stock clear?

Skim off foam and impurities during simmering, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve for clarity.

Serving Suggestions

Once your turkey stock is ready, consider using it as a base for a hearty soup or stew. Pair it with fresh vegetables, noodles, or rice for a complete meal. You can also freeze the stock in portions for future use, making it a convenient option for quick weeknight dinners. For storage, keep the stock in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This stock is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes, adding a depth of flavour that store-bought options can't match.