Find out how easy it is to make Turkey Stock with the bones from your Thanksgiving turkey! All you’ll need is a carefully selected carcass and some presumably already cooked vegetables and herbs. Originally published on November 21, 2012, you will adore this flavorful turkey stock in your next soup! .
The people in the apartment above us vacuum about once a week. (It’s pretty loud because the insulation in our apartment building is practically nil. I immediately follow up with, “Yes, Karen, most people vacuum more than once every three months, just like you,” whenever I ask myself, “Are they vacuuming again?” ” .
Anyway. Now that you’re feeling so good about yourself compared to me. We have news! We just found out we are having a baby BOY!! I’m still in complete shock. I was convinced it was a girl. (I think I just told myself that because I didn’t want to have to repaint Charlotte’s room. In addition, I thought Charlotte was a boy, so maybe my mother’s intuition is just trapped in an opposite-day state. We are so excited to have a little boy!.
For now I’m focusing on doing some toddler training before the baby gets here. Charlotte’s favorite thing to do in her crib is jump, so it’s a less scary place to use as a time-out area. Who came up with the idea to let our toddlers sleep on tiny trampolines? You would not believe the height she gets. Her mattress’s springs creaking gives me a clue that she’s awakened from her nap, not when she cries. One of these days she is going to go sailing over the edge. I should start lining the floor with pillows.
Have you guys decorated for Christmas yet? I broke down over the weekend. There is nothing better than a lit Christmas tree, yes, even the week before Thanksgiving!!.
But don’t worry Thanksgiving, I am still SUPER excited about you. I wanted to use up every last bit of that turkey, so last week after cooking my first one, I made some stock. It was super easy. Throw everything in a pot and forget about it for a few hours. And man is it good! This stock makes the BEST soup. My favorite is to use the stock to make this Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup. Here’s what you’re going to need, hopefully you have most of this stuff leftover from your Thanksgiving shopping!.
So, you have a leftover turkey carcass from Thanksgiving dinner. What can you do with it to make it tasty and healthy? Then turkey bone broth is the answer! Not only is it a delicious food, but it also has a wealth of health advantages. However, the question still stands: how long should turkey bone broth be cooked for to get the most flavor and nutrients?
The answer, my friend, is not as simple as a one-size-fits-all approach It depends on several factors, including the size of your bones, your desired flavor intensity, and your personal preference. But worry not, for I’m here to guide you through the intricacies of turkey bone broth cooking, ensuring you end up with a golden pot of liquid gold.
Let’s explore the world of turkey bone broth, discovering its full potential and the secrets of cooking time.
The Magic of Time: How Long to Simmer Your Turkey Bone Broth
The simmering time for turkey bone broth is a delicate dance between extracting maximum flavor and avoiding overcooked, bitter notes. While some recipes suggest a quick simmer of 30 minutes, others advocate for a slow and steady 24-hour marathon. So where does the sweet spot lie?
The golden middle ground for most home cooks is a simmering time of 6 to 8 hours. This period of time gives the collagen in the bones enough time to decompose and release its beneficial properties into the broth. The result? A rich, flavorful broth that’s both nourishing and delicious.
However, if you’re looking for an even deeper flavor profile, you can extend the simmering time to 12-24 hours. This extended cooking time will result in a more concentrated broth with a slightly gelatinous texture.
Remember, there’s no hard and fast rule here. Please experiment to determine the simmering time that works best for your needs and schedule.
Factors Influencing Turkey Bone Broth Cooking Time
Several factors can influence the ideal simmering time for your turkey bone broth:
- Bone size: Larger bones require a longer simmering time to fully release their flavor and nutrients.
- Desired flavor intensity: If you prefer a more intense flavor, simmer for a longer period.
- Personal preference: Some people prefer a lighter broth, while others enjoy a richer, more concentrated flavor.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Turkey Bone Broth
Now that you’ve mastered the art of simmering time, let’s explore some additional tips to elevate your turkey bone broth to new heights:
- Roast your bones first. This step adds a depth of flavor to the broth that you won’t get from unroasted bones.
- Add vegetables and herbs. Onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves can enhance the flavor of your broth.
- Use apple cider vinegar. A splash of apple cider vinegar helps to break down the collagen in the bones, resulting in a richer broth.
- Strain your broth carefully. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bone fragments or other solids.
- Store your broth properly. Cool the broth completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Unleashing the Versatility of Turkey Bone Broth
Turkey bone broth is a culinary chameleon that can be used to create a wide variety of mouthwatering recipes. Here are just a few ways to enjoy this versatile liquid:
- Sip it on its own. Turkey bone broth is a nourishing and flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
- Use it as a base for soups and stews. The rich flavor of turkey bone broth adds depth and complexity to any soup or stew.
- Cook rice or quinoa in it. Turkey bone broth adds a subtle turkey flavor to your grains.
- Make gravy or pan sauces. Turkey bone broth is the perfect base for a flavorful gravy or pan sauce.
Making turkey bone broth is a simple yet rewarding culinary journey. By understanding the role of simmering time, experimenting with different flavors, and utilizing its versatility, you can transform your leftover turkey carcass into a culinary masterpiece. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and embark on the path to creating a delicious and nutritious turkey bone broth that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
How to make Turkey Stock
Making turkey stock is incredibly simple and is one of my favorite things to do right before Thanksgiving. Chill on the couch while this simmers in the background, you barely have to babysit it. After tasting it, you will want to make it annually. So, from now on, all you have to do to be ready to make turkey stock is remember to slightly overbuy all of your celery, carrots, onions, and herbs!
- Warm your turkey carcass with any remaining giblets, skin, neck, or drippings.
- Add roughly-chopped onion, carrots, garlic and celery.
- Add parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. (Feel free to sing along. I’m assuming you’ve heard the Simon and Garfunkel song? If not, give it a listen!
- Add bay leaves and peppercorns.
- Add enough water to cover most of the vegetables and turkey, about 4 quarts.
- Simmer 2-4 hours.
- Using a colander, strain the stock into one or more large bowls to remove the fat.
See? So simple. You start by shoving your picked-over turkey carcass into the biggest pot you have. To fit the carcass in your pot, you might need to break it down, depending on its size. While some meat on the bones is acceptable, the meat will become extremely tough and flavorless after 4 hours of boiling. So gather up the meat that you want to eat now and set aside.
Next, add in all your veggies and herbs. There’s no need to be overly particular here. If you are missing an herb or two, don’t sweat it. The onions, celery, and carrots are most important as far as flavor goes. Cover all of it with water. I filled my pot all the way to the top!.
After two to four hours, your water level should have decreased, and the vegetables and turkey should have softened and shrunk in size. This is a really simple recipe that I simmer for two or three hours on Thanksgiving night, or really, until I’m ready to go to bed. 2 hours is the minimum, 4 hours will give you a more condensed stock.
Drain through a colander into a large pot. I find it more convenient to remove the larger pieces with tongs rather than to pour out the entire pot of boiling hot stock all at once.
Another method for making turkey stock is to use a slow cooker; just put everything inside and cook on low for ten to twelve hours. SO easy.
How to store this Turkey Stock Recipe (Does it freeze well?)
Properly sealed, turkey stock stores for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If I’m using it with a few days, I like to store it in quart mason jars.
This stock freezes really well! You can keep it in the freezer for 4-6 months. I always freeze in large ziplock bags. Thaw in the fridge or add partially thawed stock straight to your soup.
How to Make Roast Turkey Bone Broth on the Stove Top – Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
FAQ
How long does bone broth need to be cooked for?
How long does homemade turkey bone broth last?
Can you make bone broth in 2 hours?
Is homemade turkey bone broth good for you?
Can you make turkey bone broth later?
A: Yes! You can make turkey bone broth anytime later, up to about a month, if you properly store the leftover carcass. Throw the bones into an airtight/zipper bag. If you plan to make the stock in the next day or two, you can keep the bones in the refrigerator.
How long does it take to see benefits of drinking bone broth?
Immediately after taking bone broth, you will notice that it is helping to keep you full and reduce food cravings. For other benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, bone and joint health improvement and sleeping quality, it takes from 3 to 6 weeks.
How do you cook turkey bone broth in a slow cooker?
The turkey bone broth comes out a deeper color and flavor since it is cooked slowly and never stirred or hardboiled. You can use warm or hot water to jumpstart the cooking. Put the bones, water, cider vinegar, and salt into a 6 Qt. slow cooker set on low for 15 hours. After cooking for six hours, add the rest of the ingredients.
How to make roast turkey bone broth?
Here are the high-level steps to make a glorious golden Roast Turkey bone Broth: 1. Place bones and apple cider vinegar in large pot, fill with water to cover bones by an inch, then simmer 8-12 hours. Add vegetables in last hour, herbs in last 20 minutes. 2.