Sunday, November 19, 2006

Mmmmm, Turkey Frame Soup

We had an early Thanksgiving dinner at our daughter's home last night.  We were getting ready to leave when I noticed the stripped-down turkey carcass sitting on a plate on the counter.

"What are you going to do with that?" I queried.  "You're not throwing it out, are you?"

"Why," she answered, "are you going to make us some turkey-frame soup?" 

So I came home with the main ingredient for one of our favorite soups.  You'd be amazed at the amount of meat that's still hiding on that turkey skeleton.

If you'd like to it, here's the recipe, right out of the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook:

                                   TURKEY FRAME SOUP

1 meaty turkey frame
8 cups water
1 large onion, quartered
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
chopped cooked turkey

1.  Break turkey frame or cut in half with kitchen shears.  Place in a large pot.  Add water, onion, and garlic salt.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
2.  Remove turkey frame.  When cool enough to handle, cut meat off bones; coarsely chop meat.  If necessary, add enough turkey to equal 2 cups.  Set aside.  Discard bones.  Strain broth.  Skim fat from broth.

1 14 1/2-ounce can of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon instant chicken bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, basil, marjoram, or thyme, crushed (I prefer the oregano)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups (any combination) sliced celery, carrots, parsnips or mushrooms; chopped onionis or rutabagas; or broccoli or cauliflower flowerets (or slice some cabbage)
1 1/2 cups medium noodles

3.  Return broth to pot.  Stir in undrained tomatoes, bouillon cubes, herb and pepper.  Stir in vegetables.  Return to boiling; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.  Stir in uncooked noodles, simmer for 8 to 10 minutes more or until noodles are tender but still firm, and vegetables are crisp-tender.  Stir in turkey; heat through.  Makes about 9 1/2 cups.

This stuff is low-fat, low-calorie, and a great way to use something you'd ordinarily throw away.

You can go to google and find lots of variations on this.  After all, it's just soup!!!  Be as creative as you want to.

(PS to my daughter:  I made more than this recipe makes, so there's plenty to share; I simply have to pick up the dry noodles on the way home from Church, re-heat the stuff and add noodles and turkey.)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yummy!  Just the way my Mom used to make it.  

Anonymous said...

Okay.  That's it.  I'm buying my own Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

:-D

I know there are tons of recipes on the internet, but I just like sitting down with a cookbook and reading... The Pepperidge Farm cookbook is in my dear favorites because there is a story with the recipes....

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Wow what a great idea!  I've always just thrown the thing away!
Pam

Anonymous said...

Mosie...in all my years....never thought to make soup out of that turkey carcus....I do try to get all the meat off before throwing away....don't know why I never tried it....I have done a chicken that way....oh well....gonna do it now...got this recipe printed off....bet you could freeze it in portions to...and then add noodles whenever you heated up....hmmm...???  thanks a bunch girl...as they say...never to old to teach this old dog a new trick or two.....Hugs from KY....Ora

Anonymous said...

Yummm........sounds good!  I copied the recipe!  Thanks, Donna!

Jackie

Anonymous said...

I had never heard that soup named 'Frame' soup before , but I've  made it and yes there is a lot of turky still on the bone.  Unfortuately most of our frames go out in the trash.  Everyone leaves after the holiday is done and making all that soup for just me isn't worth while.  I only cook when the family come in...otherwise I don't make much of anything. Sounds delicious on a cold wet rainy day like today !  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

I cook the bones......... and cut the meat off the bones, strain it and freeze it!
Becky

Anonymous said...

I've never done this, I've always just thrown the carcass away.  I will try this recipe, thanks Vicki

Anonymous said...

Wait.  What?  You're having turkey leftovers BEFORE Thanksgiving??!!  You're one weird woman, Donna.

Russ

Anonymous said...

my mom always used to cook the bones for soup.  I have on occasion but now my stomach doesn't tolerate noodles (or rice) (gastric bypass) so I peel and cube some red potatoes instead.  Sometimes I throw the bones away and feel guilty! But not this year. I'm making soup.

Anonymous said...

Your turkey bone soup reminds me of the stone soup story. Frieda liked making soup out of any meaty bones what otherwise couldn't be picked clean. I think the bone added something to the soups flavors. Yum

Anonymous said...

What a great name for a turkey soup!  Hugs,
Lisa