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Thanksgiving is over, and you’re left with a fridge full of turkey and memories of a feast well-enjoyed. But what to do with all those leftovers? Instead of letting them sit forgotten or tossing them out, why not turn them into delicious and versatile pantry staples? With just a little effort, your leftover turkey can transform into two kitchen essentials: rich, flavorful turkey stock and a hearty turkey pot pie filling. Not only will these recipes help you make the most of your Thanksgiving turkey, but they also align with healthy eating and food preservation goals.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the health perks of turkey, how to adapt my chicken stock and pot pie recipes for turkey, and the best herbs and spices to elevate your creations!
Fun Facts About the Health Benefits of Turkey
Turkey isn’t just a Thanksgiving staple—it’s a nutritional powerhouse!
- Rich in Protein: Turkey is packed with high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues and supporting a healthy immune system. A single serving can provide more than half your daily protein needs.
- Low in Fat: Especially the lean white meat, turkey is lower in fat compared to other meats, making it a healthy choice for meals.
- High in Vitamins and Minerals: Turkey contains vitamins B6 and B12, essential for energy production and brain health. It’s also rich in selenium, a mineral that supports thyroid function and acts as an antioxidant.
- Boosts Mood: The tryptophan in turkey is famous for its role in promoting serotonin production, helping to improve mood and encourage better sleep.
With all these benefits, there’s even more reason to turn those leftovers into something wonderful!
Turning Turkey Leftovers into Turkey Stock
A rich, homemade turkey stock is the perfect way to preserve the flavor and nutrition of your leftover bird. Using my Chicken Stock Recipe from Canning Diva, you can easily adapt it for turkey. Rich and nutrient-packed, this homemade turkey stock is the perfect way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. Simmered with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs, it creates a flavorful base for soups, stews, and gravies. Easy to can or freeze, it’s a pantry staple you’ll reach for all year long.
Ingredients
- Turkey carcass (bones, skin, and bits of meat)
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2 medium onions, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, halved (optional)
- 10 peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 T salt
- 1 T apple cider vinegar (to help extract nutrients from the bones)
- Enough water to cover the ingredients in your stockpot
Instructions
- Prepare the carcass: Break down the turkey carcass into pieces that will fit in your stockpot. Be sure to include any leftover skin and bones for added flavor and nutrients.
- Assemble your ingredients: Add all the vegetables, spices, and turkey pieces to the stockpot. Cover with water until everything is submerged.
- Simmer for hours: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 6–8 hours, skimming off any foam that forms.
- Strain and cool: Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids. Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight to let the fat solidify on top. Remove the fat layer before canning.
- Can or freeze: Pressure can your turkey stock following USDA guidelines (25 minutes for pints, 20 minutes for quarts at 10 PSI or according to your elevation). If freezing, leave headspace in containers to prevent cracking.
Turkey Pot Pie Filling Made Easy
Why stop at stock when you can also whip up a delectable turkey pot pie filling? Based on my Chicken Pot Pie Recipe, this adaptation is sure to please. This creamy turkey pot pie filling transforms holiday leftovers into a comforting classic. Packed with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a velvety sauce infused with herbs, it’s perfect for a quick pot pie or a delicious twist on casseroles. Preserve it in jars to enjoy the taste of Thanksgiving whenever you like!
Ingredients
- 1 T avocado oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cups turkey stock (from the recipe above)
- 4 T ClearJel (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 lbs. cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 T salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp sage (optional)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Using a whisk, combine the ClearJel and the turkey stock, whisking until smooth. Add to stockpot and stir to combine well.
- Next add the turkey, potatoes, carrots, peas, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring regularly to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
- Ladle the pie filling into jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Remove any trapped air pockets and add additional filling if necessary to retain the 1-inch headspace.
- Wipe each jar rim with a washcloth dipped in vinegar. Place a lid and ring on each jar and hand tighten.
- Process in a pressure canner at 10 PSI (or according to your elevation and canner type) for 90 minutes for quarts and 75 minutes for pints.
Complimentary Herbs and Spices
Both turkey stock and pot pie filling can be elevated with the right blend of herbs and spices. Here are some options to consider:
- For Stock: Bay leaves, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage pair beautifully with turkey.
- For Pot Pie Filling: Classic thyme and sage work wonders, but don’t shy away from adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Creative Twists: Love a kick of spice? Add smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a modern twist. Prefer earthy flavors? Toss in a few dried mushrooms while cooking your stock.
Transforming your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into turkey stock and pot pie filling is a smart, sustainable way to embrace healthy eating and prevent food waste. These recipes not only make the most of your holiday meal but also provide your pantry with ready-to-use staples for months to come.
With a little effort and a touch of creativity, your leftover turkey can continue to bring comfort and nourishment to your family long after Thanksgiving. So roll up your sleeves, break out the canning jars, and savor the satisfaction of turning leftovers into lasting flavors!
Have a blessed holiday season!
xo
Diane, The Canning Diva®
www,canningdiva.com
