Turkey Soup with Dressing Dumplings

Introduction

Turkey soup with dressing dumplings is a warm and comforting dish that makes excellent use of leftover turkey. It transforms the remains of your holiday feast into a hearty bowl of goodness, filled with nutritious vegetables and savory dumplings.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to minimize food waste after a turkey dinner. Not only does it create a delicious soup, but it also uses up leftovers in a creative way. It’s an excellent choice for cold days, providing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Plus, the dressing dumplings bring a unique twist, combining classic soup with the flavors of your holiday stuffing!

How to Make Turkey Soup with Dressing Dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 1 roast turkey carcass
  • 6 quarts water
  • 4 medium onions
  • 6 medium carrots
  • 5 stalks celery
  • 6 cups leftover stuffing
  • 6 egg whites
  • cooking spray
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup cubed turnips
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning, such as Bell’s
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Remove all meat from the cooked turkey carcass and set aside. Arrange the bones in a roasting pan and broil until browned on both sides.
  2. Transfer the browned bones to a large stock pot and cover with 6 quarts of water. Trim, peel, and chop the onions, carrots, and celery; add the peels and ends of the raw onions, celery, and carrots to the stock pot and reserve the cleaned vegetables for the soup. Simmer bones and vegetable scraps for 1 hour. Turn off the heat and allow the stock to cool for 20 minutes. Strain the stock, discarding the bones and vegetable scraps. Remove the fat from the stock by refrigerating it overnight and then removing the hardened fat layer from the top, or by skimming the fat from the top of the liquid with a ladle.
  3. Combine the leftover stuffing and egg whites in a large bowl. Form the stuffing mixture into small balls and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the dumplings on High for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat it with cooking spray. Add the dumplings and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Add the reserved and chopped turkey meat, onions, celery, and carrots to the strained soup stock; simmer for 1 hour. Stir in the peas, corn, green beans, and turnips; simmer until the vegetables are tender. Pour in the jellied and whole berry cranberry sauces, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir. When the cranberry sauce has dissolved into the soup, add the cooked dumplings and heat through.

How to Serve Turkey Soup with Dressing Dumplings

Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with chopped herbs if desired. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Turkey Soup with Dressing Dumplings

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup can last for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to add the dumplings fresh when reheating.

Tips to Make Turkey Soup with Dressing Dumplings

  • Make sure to remove any bones from the turkey before adding it to the soup.
  • You can customize the vegetables to your liking; add whatever you have on hand.
  • If you don’t have leftover stuffing, you can make simple dumplings using flour, baking powder, and seasonings mixed with water.

Variation

For a different flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also use a variety of proteins, such as chicken, instead of turkey.

FAQs

1. Can I use a raw turkey instead of a carcass? Yes, you can use raw turkey. Just make sure to cook it through before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I skip the broiling step? While broiling adds flavor by caramelizing the bones, you can skip it if you’re short on time. Just simmer the carcass directly in the water.

3. What can I use instead of leftover stuffing? You can make quick dumplings using flour, eggs, and milk or opt for store-bought dumplings to save time.

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