Turkey Orzo Soup is a wonderful soup to help you recover from your Thanksgiving feast. Use the turkey carcass to make a lovely stock and any leftover meat you may have from the bird to make a comforting leftover turkey soup.
1leeksliced lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2 in pieces, washed
1-2clovesgarlicminced
1cupdiced carrots
2cupsdiced celery
6cupsturkey stock
1-2cupsshredded turkeydark meat from wings and drumsticks work well
1ginger medallion
1cuporzo
kosher salt and freshly ground pepperto taste
juice of 1/2 lemon
scallionsfinely sliced, for garnish
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Make the Turkey Stock:
In a large stock pot, place the turkey carcass with the remaining ingredients and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 3 hours, the meat should be falling off the bones.
Strain the stock and use immediately, or if storing for later, cool completely and store in air tight containers in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Be sure to debone the carcass and reserve the meat for soups, etc.
Make the Turkey Orzo Soup:
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the leeks to the hot oil, and cook until they start to wilt. Stir in the garlic, carrots and celery, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, to give the celery and carrots a chance to soften slightly.
Increase the heat to high and add the turkey stock, shredded turkey, and ginger to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then stir in the orzo. Lower the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer until the orzo is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
When the orzo is fully cooked, season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in juice from half a lemon. Garnish with scallions and a drizzle of excellent quality olive oil prior to serving.
Notes
Turkey Orzo Soup FAQs/Tips
Turkey Stock
Looking to save time? Try my recipe for Pressure Cooker Soup Stock and make homemade turkey stock in a fraction of the time!
Can I use store-bought turkey or chicken stock? Yes, absolutely!
How to Clean Leeks
Leeks may stubbornly hold on to grit and dirt, but it's simple to clean. Clean the leeks by placing chopped leeks in a large bowl of cold water. Swirl the leeks and let it sit for 5 minutes to let the dirt settle to the bottom. Use your hands or slotted spoon to transfer leeks to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.