Add in a few herbs and spices and some water and you have the perfect base for Turkey neck gravy or turkey noodle soup.
Stock vs. Broth
Is there really a difference between stock and broth? Yes, there is! Turkey Stock is made from primarily from bones while broth is made from more meaty pieces. I find broth usually has more flavor and to be honest, I make both the same way. Either can be done on the stove or in the slow cooker. While we often add water to our bones/carcass my mom actually uses low-sodium or no sodium chicken broth (in a box) for a little boost of flavor. If I have it on hand, I add it in for a richer flavor but if not, water works just fine! I add any leftovers from my Roast Turkey or turkey dinner including extra gravy, pan drippings, leftover Roasted Carrots… basically all of the good things with flavor make the turkey broth flavorful! (Skip the Brussel Sprouts though, they can make the broth bitter).
How to Prepare Broth
I use turkey necks or wings, which you can pick up from your local market for just a few dollars. They cook up wonderfully and add so much flavor to the turkey broth! If you’ve made a roast turkey, add the carcass (and any bits, pieces, juices or skin you have left over) in place of the wings/necks.
Slow Cooker Stock
Alternately, it can all go into the slow cooker and simmer overnight (or longer). Make sure you season your turkey stock/broth with herbs (save your carrot tops from making Glazed Carrots), fresh parsley, herbs, peppercorns and bay leaf. If you add too much water, it can water down the stock making it bland (in this case, once you strain it, simmer it to reduce and intensify flavor). I always add a raw onion with the yellow onion skin to add color to the broth. Once cooked I either cool in the fridge and skim of any fat (if I’m not using it right away) or use a gravy separator as shown below to remove any fat if I’m using the broth right away to make soup.
Chicken Stock or Broth
The method in this recipe works perfectly for chicken broth too. I save up my carcasses from rotisserie chicken in the freezer until I have a few and make a broth using the same way. Alternately, you can boil a whole chicken for an amazing broth (and tender meat). Broth or stock can be frozen or refrigerated. It will keep 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer.
Our Favorite Soups with Stock or Broth
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken Rice Soup Chicken Stew Turkey Soup Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
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