Turkey neck soup is an underrated budget-friendly meal. It’s simple but has a high protein content. This recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. You won’t regret adding it to your cooking routine.
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Turkey Neck Soup recipe
Turkey Neck Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and economical dish. It’s known for its rich, gelatinous broth and deep flavor. The best part is that you can use leftover turkey necks and carcasses from roasted turkeys.
Often enjoyed in Southern U.S. cuisine, it’s prized for its collagen-rich turkey necks. The soup is typically slow-cooked with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. You can use a pressure cooker for a quicker option or let it simmer for hours to extract maximum flavor.
Here’s how to make the turkey neck soup – a wholesome, comforting meal:
Turkey Neck Soup
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey necks
- 8 cups water
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium potato diced (optional, for heartiness)
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra depth
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Brown the turkey necks for 3-4 minutes per side to enhance flavor.
- Add 8 cups of water, chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Simmer for another 30 minutes until tender.
- Take out turkey necks, remove meat from bones, and return the meat to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice or pasta.
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
Turkey Neck Soup goes well with various foods and drinks to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some popular options:
- Food Pairings
- Fresh Baguette is ideal for dipping into the rich broth.
- Classic Garden Salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese adds a crispy, cheesy element.
- Crunchy Bread is great for sopping up the broth.
- Crisp Fall Salad with Light Vinaigrette offers a light and refreshing side dish.
- Rice is a great side.
- Drinks
- Fresh Juices provide a refreshing contrast to the savory broth.
- Herbal Teas like peppermint or chamomile soothe the palate after a warm bowl of soup
- Black Tea can complement the earthy flavors.
- Sparkling Water with a squeeze of lemon cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.
- White Wines complement the lighter flavors in the soup.
- Red Wines enhance the earthy flavors.
- Rosé adds a refreshing touch if the soup is lighter and more delicate.
- Fresh Lemonade adds a sweet and tangy note to the meal.
Variations
Turkey Neck Soup has several variations across cuisines and cooking styles. You can try these versions:
- Caribbean Style features ground provisions such as yam, sweet potato, and pumpkin. It often includes dumplings (spinners), scotch bonnet peppers for heat, and Caribbean spices like pimento berries and thyme.
- Brothy Versions are made with turkey necks and basic vegetables. This variation is ideal for those who prefer a lighter soup without heavy starches or spices.
- Customizable Additions
- Vegetable Additions include ingredients like zucchini, tomatoes, corn, peas, or bell peppers.
- Herb & Spice Additions adds fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for aromatic depth.
- Alternative Protein Versions use chicken instead of turkey.