Leftover Turkey Soup
Panang Curry Turkey Broth, Shredded Turkey, Crispy Tofu Croutons
Broccoli, Zucchini, Carrots, Jasmine Rice
Lime, Scallion, Cilantro, Basil
Bean Sprouts and Cashews on the Side
It’s that time of year again. Time for the Annual Leftover Turkey Soup. This year doesn’t disappoint – it’s Thai-Style! Super-fragrant, complex, mildly spicy, slightly sweet & creamy – panang curry broth definitely complements the shredded roast turkey. Chock full of vegetables, jasmine rice, and plenty of fresh herbs this soup is so satisfying. And if you are, by now, a little bit tired of that traditional Thanksgiving bouquet, this dish is on the opposite end of the flavor spectrum.
Leftover Turkey Soup with Panang Curry Recipe
Turkey Stock
turkey carcass
onion
carrot
celery
bay leaves
black peppercorns
After Thanksgiving dinner, refrigerate the carcass (with all its meat, skin, and fat) until ready to make stock, usually within 4 days.
Put the carcass in one big pot. Cover the carcass with filtered water. Then add rough chopped onion, carrot, and celery, a couple bay leaves, and about 1/2 teaspoon of peppercorns.
Bring it to a boil, skim the scum, then simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Once cooled slightly, remove the carcass with a tongs then strain the stock into a clean pot. Discard all the solids, reserving the stock for soup.
Crispy Tofu Croutons
1 block extra-firm tofu
olive oil
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
Drain the tofu then wrap in paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into crouton-sized cubes, then place on paper towel again to help remove more moisture.
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet just large enough to hold all the cubes in one layer. Season the olive oil with salt and pepper, then add the cubes (carefully). Fry until one side is golden, then flip and fry the other side. Drain on paper towels, and hold until ready to compose the soup.
Panang Curry Turkey Broth
2 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. panang curry paste
1 T. freshly grated ginger
6 cups turkey stock
1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
2 T. fish sauce
2 T. brown sugar
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add curry paste and ginger, cook for another minute, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Add turkey stock, coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer. Continue to simmer while preparing the other ingredients. Lastly, season to taste.
Vegetables
broccoli, small florets
zucchini, cut into half-moon
carrots, sliced thin on the bias
Separately blanch the vegetables in boiling salted water until tender then shock in an ice bath. Drain and set aside to come to room temperature.
Jasmine Rice
Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Herbs
scallions, sliced thin
cilantro, finely chopped
basil, small whole leaves
Accompaniments
fresh mung bean sprouts
roasted cashews
sliced limes
red thai chili
thai iced tea
edible marigold flower
To Compose
leftover shredded roast turkey
Add turkey to the simmering panang curry turkey broth to heat all the way through, but do not overcook the turkey meat. Ladle turkey and broth into warm shallow bowls.
Add vegetables to submerge in the hot broth. Add a scoop of hot steamed rice. Add tofu croutons. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice, lime wheels and sprinkling of fresh herbs. An edible flower adds to the colorful Thai dish.
Serve mung bean sprouts, cashews, and hot Thai chili to add as desired on the side.
More Panang Curry
Thai-Style Pan-Seared Pacific Cod here
Crispy Duck Panang here
More Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving Leftovers Savory Cupcakes here
Herby Turkey & Corona Bean Soup here
Leftover Turkey with Sweet Potato Noodles here
Turkey Matzo Ball Soup here
Turkey Soup with Tortellini and Kale here