Comfort Turkey and Rice Soup with Pics

You have Thanksgiving leftovers- admit it. And the turkey carcass? Don't throw it away. Make some stock and then make this terrific soup. To make the stock, throw the carcass in a big pot (helps if you cut it in pieces first, you can take out any aggression- hack away!)along with some veggie or chicken stock or water- enough to cover the carcasss. Now throw in whatever veggies you have- onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, garlic,any root vegetable and a bunch of herbs, your choice. Don't bother peeling anything- not even the onions or garlic, just give them a rinse and throw them in. Bring to a boil, then simmer and strain until the meat falls off the bone. Drain, reserving stock and remove the meat. Let cool, skim off fat- viola, stock! Ok, this first recipe is going to make any weight watchers scream. But hey, it is the holiday season. You are supposed to indulge and if you can't bring yourself to do so, look for my next post- that will be my turkey noodle soup without all the fats. So, here we go.
First, chop up about three large carrots, three large celery ribs (with leafy ends)and three onions. I was out of onions so I substituted six large shallots. Use more or less, it doesn't matter. You can also use leeks or another veggie you like. Just chop about this much and a little more (the shallots are not in this pic).

Now throw them into a big pot along with two sticks of butter. Cook until the veggies are soft.

Add one cup of flour.

Stir until it is incorporated, don't panic. It may stick a little, that is fine.

Now add 1 quart of your stock that you made. If you didn't make stock, add one quart of store bought stock.

Bring it to a boil, then turn down to simmer and add 2 cups of cream or milk or a combination of them. I use the leftover 1/2 cream and 1/2 milk mixture that I used to boil the potatoes for garlicy mashed potatoes the day before. (Yummy recipe- if you want it, let me know. It has a hint of mustard and lots of flavor)

Stir it in, then add 1 cup of rice. All I had today was arborio but you can use any rice you like.

Now add salt and pepper to taste. Here is what not to do- do not drop your grinder into the soup. I would like to say this is a first time accident but those of you who know me would break into hysterical laughter. Let's just say that I do not have to clean my grinders other than when I am cooking. When cooking, I have to clean them everytime.

Now stir it all up and make sure it does not go above a simmer. Cook until the rice is tender, less than an hour. Soup is great, you don't have to hover over it. Just stir it once in awhile- say, when you answer the phone or refill your wineglass.

Next up will be my turkey noodle soup and pictures of both soups plated.
Happy Cooking!

 

that sounds really good might give that a try with my next chicken carcass ( I'm guessing it would work the same ?) looks really tasty and with a nice chunk of homemade bread would be perfect for a winter supper.

 

I should have stated that it could be made with chicken or turkey. And if you don't have homemade stock, storebought would be good. If it is not low salt stock, omit adding salt when seasoning. Homemade bread would be great with it, playtime. Or if you have leftover bread that is kinda going stale, brush it with a little olive oil, top it with any kind of cheese you like and run it under the broiler until the cheese bubbles.
If this soup gets too thick for you, just add a little more stock and reheat.

 

Now I'm very hungry for turkey all of a sudden.

 

That sounds very yummy .Its to late for nme as the cats has already cleaned the carcass out nothing but bones left :

 

I love a good rice soup although I have never made it a creamy soup. Might have to try it. Is a good way to use up the extra turkey when there sin't enough to make turkey, stuffing and gravy sandwiches.

 

I make homemade turkey noodle soup from my left over turkey & gravy, it will be next had left over dinner today..

 

That looks quite scrumptuous.
It truly WAS a superpost!
Way to go!