is there turkey broth

Is There Turkey Broth? The Complete Guide to Making and Using This Flavorful Stock

Turkey broth is a warming and comforting staple that adds richness and depth of flavor to dishes like gravy, soups, stews, and more But what exactly is turkey broth and how does it differ from chicken broth or turkey stock?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making, using, and storing your own turkey broth from scratch.

What is Turkey Broth?

Turkey broth is made by simmering turkey bones, meat, and veggies like onions, carrots, and celery in water. This long simmering time extracts collagen from the bones as well as rich roasted flavor from any meat and veggies included.

The main difference between turkey broth and stock is that broth contains both bones and meat, while stock uses only bones. So broth offers the added flavor dimension from the turkey meat.

Compared to chicken broth turkey broth has a deeper, more savory taste and is ideal for heartier dishes and gravies. You can use turkey broth in place of chicken broth in any recipe.

Is There Pre-Made Turkey Broth?

Yes, pre-made and canned turkey broth is available at most grocery stores, usually stocked in the soup aisle. Popular brands include Swanson and Campbell’s. However, homemade broth has a fresher, richer taste and allows you to control the sodium content.

According to food bloggers, pre-made broth lacks the thickening power and gelatin from collagen-rich bones. Homemade turkey broth costs just a fraction of canned options.

How to Make Turkey Broth from Scratch

Making flavorful turkey broth is simple. Here are the basic steps:

Ingredients: Turkey bones, wings, neck, giblets, aromatics like onion, celery, carrot, fresh herbs

Method: Simmer bones in water for 1-4 hours to extract collagen and flavor. Strain and use.

Uses: Soups, gravies, braising liquid, risottos

Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days, freeze up to 3 months

The longer you simmer the broth, the more concentrated it will become. A quick light broth takes just 1 hour, while a rich and robust broth can simmer for up to 4 hours.

Turkey Broth Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2.5 lbs turkey bones and scraps
• 1 onion, halved
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, bay leaf
• 12 – 16 cups water

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Turkey Broth:

1. Place turkey bones, wings, neck, and any giblets into a large pot. Add water, onion, carrots, celery, parsley and thyme.

2. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1-4 hours.

3. Add any other fresh herbs like sage or rosemary and continue simmering for 30 mins up to 2 hours until desired concentration of flavor is reached.

4. Strain the broth through a sieve into a large bowl or clean pot. Discard solids.

5. Allow broth to cool slightly. Refrigerate overnight.

6. The next day, remove and discard the solidified fat that has risen to the top.

7. Portion broth into airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Follow this simple turkey broth recipe for flavorful, aromatic homemade stock bursting with savory goodness! Adjust cook times and veggies as needed to suit your taste.

How Long Does Turkey Broth Take to Make?

• On the stovetop: Minimum 1 hour, up to 4 hours for maximum flavor
• In a slow cooker: 8-10 hours on low
• In a pressure cooker: 45 mins – 1 hour on high pressure

Simmer time depends on the intensity you want. A quick light broth takes about 1 hour. For a richer, more concentrated broth, simmer for 3-4 hours. Use the minimum cook times for a milder flavored result.

What’s the Difference Between Turkey Broth and Stock?

While some use the terms interchangeably, there is a difference:

• Turkey broth contains bones and meat. It cooks for 1-4 hours.

• Turkey stock uses only bones and simmers for 6-24 hours to extract more gelatin and collagen.

So broth offers added roasted flavor from the meat, while stock gels more when cooled due to higher collagen content from the long cook time. Stock is traditionally used for cooking, while broth is consumed as a drink.

How to Use Turkey Broth

Homemade turkey broth is delicious in the following recipes:

• Thanksgiving or holiday gravy – Adds rich, savory flavor

• Stuffing or dressing – Use as the cooking liquid

• Turkey noodle soup – Replaces chicken broth

• Risottos or pilafs – For deeper flavor instead of plain water

• Braised meats or stews – Great for deglazing pans and braising

• Cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or oats – Infuses more flavor

• Beans, chickpeas, lentils – Use as the cooking liquid

Substitute turkey broth 1:1 in any recipe that calls for chicken broth. It adds a wonderful roasted, savory flavor compared to plain chicken broth.

Can You Freeze and Reheat Turkey Broth?

Yes, turkey broth freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in airtight containers or bags. Follow these tips:

• Let broth cool fully before freezing.

• Freeze broth in ice cube trays or muffin tins for easy portioning.

• Once frozen solid, pop broth cubes out and store in freezer bags.

• Label bags with type of broth and date. Turkey broth keeps well frozen for 3 months.

• Thaw frozen broth overnight in the fridge before using.

To reheat, simmer the thawed broth gently on the stovetop or microwave just until hot. Avoid boiling to prevent separating or breaking down nutrients. Freezing lets you preserve homemade turkey broth to have on hand anytime!

Can You Can Turkey Broth?

Turkey broth can be safely canned using a pressure canner. Be sure to follow proper canning procedures:

• Use sterilized canning jars and lids.

• Only can freshly made broth, not leftovers.

• Leave 1 inch headspace in jars before securing lids.

• Process pint or quart jars for 25 minutes at 10-15 PSI pressure.

• Check seals before storing jars up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.

Refer to trusted guides like the National Center for Home Food Preservation for detailed canning instructions. With canning, you can stock up on turkey broth to last up to a year without freezing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Broth

1. Can I use a raw turkey to make broth?

Yes, but roasted bones impart more flavor. If using raw bones, roast them at 400°F for 20 minutes first.

1. What about using a smoked or fried turkey?

You can use them, but the broth may pick up intense smoky or fried flavors.

1. Do I need to skim the fat off the broth?

For appearance and texture you can remove it. But the fat itself is harmless and adds flavor.

1. Can I use turkey wings to make broth?

Absolutely! Wings contain lots of collagen for a rich, gelled broth.

1. Is it okay to add turkey giblets like heart and gizzard?

Yes, they provide extra flavor and nutrients. Avoid liver which makes bitter broth.

1. Can I use the turkey neck?

The neck has tons of flavor – it’s ideal for broth!

1. What herbs work best?

Parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, and bay leaves. Avoid strong spices that may overpower.

1. Can I use veggie scraps?

For clean flavor, use fresh onion, carrots, and celery. Scraps may add odd flavors.

1. How long does broth keep refrigerated or frozen?

Up to 4 days refrigerated, or freeze broth for up to 3 months. Use frozen broth within 1 year.

1. Is turkey broth gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you don’t add noodles or other ingredients containing gluten.

The Bottom Line

With this complete guide, you have all the info needed to start making nourishing turkey broth for all your cooking needs. Simmer turkey bones, meat, and aromatics for just 1-4 hours to extract maximum flavor. Use your homemade broth for richly flavored gravies, soups, stews, grains and more. Freeze or can excess broth so you always have this flavor booster on hand!

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