Emilie Meyer
Turkey bone broth is a great way to use up leftover turkey bones and scraps after a holiday meal. It is easy to make and can be prepared in a crock pot, instant pot, or on the stove. The key to making a rich and gelatinous bone broth is to let it simmer for a long time, typically between 12 and 24 hours. During the cooking process, the bones release collagen and gelatin, which are believed to have several health benefits. The broth can be seasoned with herbs, vegetables, and spices according to taste. Once the broth is ready, it should be strained and cooled before being stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Turkey bone broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, gravies, and sauces, or simply sipped as a nourishing drink.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Turkey bones, water, wine (or lemon juice), garlic, onion, herbs, vegetable scraps |
| Preparation time | 18-24 hours |
| Cooking method | Slow cooker |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 12 months |
| Notes | Broth will gel after refrigeration; add herbs in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey bone broth ingredients
Turkey bone broth is a great way to use up leftover turkey bones from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The key ingredients are the leftover turkey carcass, including the bones and skin, and water.
The bones and skin are simmered in water for 18-24 hours to create a rich, gelatinous broth. The longer cooking time helps to extract collagen and gelatin from the bones, giving the broth its characteristic texture and flavour.
To enhance the flavour of the broth, you can add a variety of ingredients. These include:
- Aromatic vegetables such as onions, garlic, and herbs like parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary.
- Wine or lemon juice to add acidity and improve the flavour.
- Apple cider vinegar, though some people claim this doesn't improve the broth.
- Vegetable scraps or leftovers such as carrots, celery, and other root vegetables. However, be aware that adding carrots and other sweet vegetables too early can make the broth taste too sweet.
- Salt to taste, though be mindful of the salt content of your broth when using it in recipes.
You can also add the meat from the leftover turkey to your broth, though this is usually done without the bones and is simmered for a shorter time, around 1-2 hours.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for turkey bone broth in a crock pot varies depending on the desired consistency and flavour intensity.
For a basic turkey broth, which is lighter in flavour and texture, a shorter cooking time of around 1-2 hours is sufficient. This involves simmering turkey meat, usually without bones, and vegetables in water with seasonings.
However, if you are aiming for a richer and more concentrated turkey stock, a longer cooking time of 2-6 hours or more is recommended. This involves slowly simmering turkey bones, such as the carcass, along with aromatic vegetables and seasonings to extract collagen and gelatin.
For a true, gelatinous bone broth, an even longer cooking time of 18-24 hours is ideal. This extended simmering process breaks down the collagen and connective tissues in the bones, resulting in a silky, gelatinous, and nutrient-rich broth.
It is important to note that cooking the broth for too long can break down the gelatin, so it is generally recommended to stay within the 18-24-hour range for optimal results. Additionally, vegetables don't need to be cooked for as long as bones to impart their flavour, so they can be added later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking. Herbs, in particular, are very delicate and should only be added during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
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Storing the broth
Once your turkey bone broth is ready, turn off the slow cooker and let the broth cool down. It is important to note that hot broth should not be put in the refrigerator to cool down as it will warm up the refrigerator, compromising the safety of the food stored in there. Instead, let the broth cool down on the counter for about an hour before handling it. Then, carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Discard the solids.
Once the broth has reached room temperature, it is ready to be stored. Pour the broth into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label and date the containers and store them in the fridge for up to a week. The broth can also be frozen for several months. A film or gelatin may form on the broth, which is an indicator of good homemade bone broth.
If you do not plan on using the broth within a week, it is recommended to freeze it. The broth can be frozen for up to 12 months. It can be frozen in jars or containers of your choice. When you are ready to use the frozen broth, simply thaw it and it will be ready to use.
Another option for storing the broth is to can it using a pressure canner. This method will allow you to store the broth at room temperature for up to a year. However, it is important to follow proper canning procedures to ensure the safety of the canned broth.
Bone broth can be a great way to use up leftover turkey bones and create a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade bone broth for several months.
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Using a crock pot vs. other methods
Turkey bone broth is a great way to use up leftover turkey bones and scraps after Thanksgiving or other holidays. It can be made in a crock pot, instant pot, pressure cooker, or on a stovetop. Each method has its own advantages and considerations.
Using a crock pot or slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off approach to making turkey bone broth. It allows you to cook the broth over a long period of time, typically 12 to 24 hours, without requiring constant attention. This slow cooking process helps break down the bones and connective tissues, releasing collagen, gelatin, and nutrients into the broth. The longer cooking time also results in a rich and flavorful broth. Additionally, crock pots are versatile and can accommodate larger quantities, which is useful when dealing with leftover turkey bones.
On the stovetop, you can make turkey bone broth in a large Dutch oven or pot. This method requires a similar cooking time to a crock pot, typically 18 to 24 hours, during which the heat needs to be maintained at a low setting. While this method also provides control over the cooking process, it demands more attention and monitoring to ensure the broth doesn't boil over or scorch.
Using an instant pot or pressure cooker offers a faster alternative for making turkey bone broth. With this method, you can significantly reduce the cooking time to around 4 hours, including the natural release period. However, the shorter cooking time may impact the consistency and gelatin content of the broth. It's important to consider the size of your instant pot, as larger bones or quantities of ingredients may not fit comfortably.
Regardless of the method chosen, the key to making turkey bone broth is time. Allowing the broth to simmer or cook slowly helps extract the most flavor, collagen, and nutrients from the bones. Additionally, adding ingredients like turkey wings, apple cider vinegar, or wine can enhance the gelatinous texture and flavor of the broth.
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Vegetables to add
While cooking homemade bone broth for a long time is common, it can sometimes break down the gelatin. Aim for about 4 to 6 hours of cooking time. To get a rich, gelatinous bone broth, you must let it simmer for 18-24 hours.
When making turkey bone broth in a crock pot, you can add a variety of vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the broth. Here are some options:
- Carrots: Carrots are a great source of vitamins and minerals and can add a touch of sweetness to the broth. However, be cautious not to overdo it as they can make the broth too sweet.
- Celery: Celery adds a refreshing flavor and is often used in stocks and broths. Just remember to leave out the celery leaves as they can make the broth cloudy.
- Onions: Yellow onions, in particular, can give the broth a deeper flavor with light, sweet notes. They balance the rich umami flavor of the turkey.
- Garlic: Garlic, along with onions, adds a savory depth to the broth. It is best to add these aromatics at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley lends a clean, herbal note to the broth. It can brighten up the overall flavor profile.
- Bay leaves: Adding a couple of bay leaves can be a secret ingredient that infuses a subtle piney flavor into your broth.
- Other vegetable scraps: You can also use any other vegetable scraps you have on hand, such as leftover veggies from previous meals. Just be mindful that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, when added too early or cooked for too long, can make the broth bitter.
Remember to add the vegetables towards the middle or end of the cooking time. Overcooking the vegetables can cause them to break down and turn bitter.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time for turkey bone broth in a crock pot can vary from 10 to 24 hours. However, it is recommended to not go beyond 18 hours, as the broth may turn bitter or develop an odd flavour.
The ideal cooking time for a rich, gelatinous bone broth is around 18-24 hours.
Roasting the bones is not necessary, but it can add extra flavour to the broth.
Vegetables do not need to be cooked for as long as bones to develop flavour. In fact, simmering vegetables for too long can negatively impact their flavour.
