The Ultimate Turkey Bone Broth Recipe – A Comforting Guide

Ingredients

• Turkey bones (from a cooked turkey, including any leftover joints and skin)
• 2-3 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to help extract minerals from the bones)
• 10-12 cups water (enough to cover the bones in your pot)
• Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Ginger or turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost
• Mushrooms for added depth of flavor
• Seaweed (like kombu) for additional minerals and umami flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bones

After enjoying your turkey meal, save the bones, skin, and cartilage. The more bones you have, the richer your broth will be. If you have leftover turkey meat on the bones, that’s fine, too—it will add flavor. For an extra-deep flavor, you can roast the bones in a 400°F oven for 20-30 minutes before simmering, though this is optional.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot

Place the turkey bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and any optional add-ins like ginger or mushrooms. Pour enough water to cover the bones by about an inch or two. Add the apple cider vinegar; it will help draw out the minerals from the bones.

Step 3: Bring to a Simmer

Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the water starts to simmer. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, lower the heat to keep it just barely bubbling. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top with a spoon—this will keep your broth clear and help remove unwanted flavors.

Step 4: Let It Simmer (And Wait!)

Allow the broth to simmer for 8-24 hours. A longer simmer time is ideal for a rich and flavorful broth. If you’re using a stovetop, keep the heat low and cover the pot to prevent too much evaporation. Set it to low in a slow cooker and let it go. The longer you simmer, the more nutrients and flavor you’ll extract.

Tip:

If you don’t want to leave your stove on overnight, you can simmer it for 8 hours, let it cool, refrigerate, and then continue simmering the next day.

Step 5: Strain the Broth

1. After simmering: Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Use a large slotted spoon to remove the bones and vegetables.
3. Strain the broth into a large bowl or pot through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
4. Discard the solids.

Step 6: Season and Store

Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooled, a layer of fat may form on top; you can skim this off or leave it for added richness.

Pour the broth into jars or airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for six months. Freeze in ice cube trays for easy, portioned servings.

Turkey bone broth is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes:

1. Soup and Stew Base: Use it for classic soups like chicken noodles, vegetable soup, or heartier stews.
2. Cooking Grains: To add a layer of savory flavor, replace water with turkey bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous.
3. Sipping Broth: Warm a cup on its own for a comforting drink; add a sprinkle of salt and pepper or even a dash of lemon.
4. Sauces and Gravies: Use it as the foundation for gravies and pan sauces for added richness.
5. In Smoothies: For a savory boost, add a splash to veggie smoothies—it may sound unusual, but it’s a trend among health enthusiasts for its nutrition benefits.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Bone Broth

1. Use Good-Quality Bones: The better the quality, the more nutrients you’ll get. If possible, opt for bones from a free-range, organic turkey.
2. Add Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice helps draw out the minerals from the bones.
3. Don’t Over-Salt: Wait to add most of the salt until the end. Since the broth reduces during simmering, it can become overly salty if added too early.
4. Consider Adding Gelatin: If your broth doesn’t gel after cooling, it’s still nutritious! But if you want it to gel, you can add extra joints or a bit of powdered gelatin.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs, spices, or dried mushrooms for unique flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I store turkey bone broth?

   Bone broth can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for six months. Before freezing, make sure to leave space at the top of the containers, as the liquid expands when frozen.

2. How do I know if my bone broth has enough collagen?

   Broth with a high collagen content will often “gel” when cooled. However, even if it doesn’t gel, it still contains collagen and is beneficial.

3. Can I use other poultry bones?

   Yes! You can substitute chicken, duck, or other poultry bones. The method is the same, but the flavor may vary slightly.

While a classic turkey bone broth is delicious, you can experiment with different flavor profiles to make it even more versatile. Here are a few ways to customize your broth for a variety of tastes and uses:

Herbal and Aromatic Broth

Add fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary during the last hour of simmering for a more aromatic broth that pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes. Add a couple of bay leaves and dried rosemary early in the simmer for a bolder, earthier twist.

Spicy Kick Broth

To give your broth a bit of heat, toss in a few slices of fresh ginger or a dash of crushed red pepper. Ginger not only adds warmth but also brings anti-inflammatory properties. Add a dried chili pepper if you enjoy a spicier kick, which is ideal for broths you’ll use in ramen or spicy soups.

Asian-Inspired Broth

Add ingredients like kombu (a type of seaweed), soy sauce, or a few shiitake mushrooms for an umami-rich base perfect for Asian-inspired soups and noodle bowls. The kombu adds valuable minerals, and the mushrooms enhance the depth and earthiness of the broth.

Healing Turmeric Broth

Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder or a few slices of fresh turmeric root for a golden, anti-inflammatory boost. Pair it with black pepper to help activate turmeric’s beneficial properties, making this version ideal for sipping as a health tonic.

These flavor variations can transform a standard turkey bone broth into a culinary staple that complements a range of turkey bone broth recipes and personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment—each batch can bring something new to your kitchen!