Kae's Heartwarming Turkey Soup 🍲🦃

This cozy turkey soup is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, especially after the holidays! It's hearty and creamy, making it perfect for chilly days. The combination of tender vegetables, savory turkey, and comforting rice creates a delicious meal that warms the soul. You can also play around with the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Perfect for sharing with friends and family—pair it with some crusty bread for a complete dinner experience! 🍞❤️

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 turkey carcass (leftover from your feast!)
• 4 quarts water
• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup flour
• 3 onions, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups half-and-half

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth
   Place the turkey carcass in a large Dutch oven and pour in the water. Bring it to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about one hour. This step is crucial for extracting all those wonderful flavors!

   🔍 Pro Tip: Make sure to leave some meat on the bones for extra flavor.

2. Strain and Shred
   After an hour, carefully remove the carcass from the broth. Let it cool for a moment before picking the meat from the bones. Set the meat and the broth aside. Measure your broth; if it’s less than 3 quarts, add water to make up the difference.

3. Make the Roux
   In a clean Dutch oven, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking and stirring often until it reaches a light golden color, about 5 minutes.

   🥄 Keep stirring! This roux is the base of your soup and will thicken it beautifully.

4. Add the Vegetables
   Stir in the chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery into the roux. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften.

5. Combine Ingredients
   Pour in the prepared broth, turkey meat, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.

   🔥 Quick Reminder: Once boiling, it's important to cover, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

6. Finish with Cream
   Finally, stir in the half-and-half and cook until the soup is thoroughly heated through.

   ❤️ Optional: You can add a splash more half-and-half for extra creaminess!

Serving Suggestions

This recipe yields approximately 4½ quarts of this delightful soup, perfect for freezing leftovers or sharing with family. Serve hot with crusty French bread or warm rolls for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey carcass with a vegetable broth and use mushrooms to impart an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a comforting kick!
• Add Greens: Toss in a couple of cups of fresh spinach or kale towards the end for a nutrient boost.

Enjoy this heartwarming bowl of turkey soup that’s sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table! 🌟🥣