Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious way to use up your leftover turkey bones after Thanksgiving or a special roast? Look no further! This slow cooker turkey bone broth recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor and health benefits. It's the perfect base for soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own as a comforting and healthy drink. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick and easy way to create a healthy and delicious meal. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Turkey Bone Broth
- 4 lbs turkey bones (from a roasted turkey, including carcass, wings, neck, and any leftover pieces)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 cups filtered water (or enough to cover the bones)
- Salt to taste (add at the end)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Turkey Bone Broth in Your Slow Cooker
Get started: Rinse the turkey bones under cold water to remove any excess debris. This is a crucial step for creating a clear and flavorful broth.
Layer the ingredients: Place the turkey bones, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaf in your slow cooker.
Add water: Pour in enough filtered water to cover the bones completely, approximately 12 cups.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 24-36 hours, or on high for 12-18 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Strain the broth: Once cooked, carefully remove the bones and vegetables using a large spoon or sieve. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth lined colander to remove any remaining solids. This step helps achieve a cleaner, more refined broth.
Season and store: Season the broth with salt to taste. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Turkey Bone Broth
- Roast your bones: For a deeper flavor, roast the turkey bones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This process caramelizes the bones and adds a rich depth of flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure there's enough space for the bones and vegetables to simmer properly. If necessary, prepare the broth in batches.
- Skim the foam: During the cooking process, you might notice some foam forming on the surface. Skim it off periodically to ensure a cleaner broth.
- Add herbs and spices: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or ginger to customize your broth's flavor.
Variations on this Easy Recipe
- Chicken Bone Broth: Easily adapt this recipe using chicken bones instead of turkey bones.
- Beef Bone Broth: This recipe also works great with beef bones for a rich and savory broth.
- Vegetable Broth: Omit the meat bones and add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian bone broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe's nutritional information will vary depending on the amount of broth made and the specific ingredients used. However, turkey bone broth is generally low in calories and high in protein, collagen, minerals, and gelatin. It's a fantastic addition to a healthy diet.
This slow cooker turkey bone broth recipe is a fantastic way to create a flavorful and nourishing base for countless dishes. It’s a simple recipe perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners. Enjoy the delicious and healthy results of your homemade cooking!