Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Gumbo
Looking for something to do with all that leftover turkey? Try this classic Cajun comfort food.
In Louisiana, our Thanksgiving resurrection is most often a turkey gumbo — and we do feel very strongly about it. In fact, we would argue it’s really your best transformative leftover option. By late November, it’s about time for true gumbo weather, cold, dark and perfect for cozying up with a warm bowl of Cajun comfort food.
If you have leftover turkey — and who doesn’t after Thanksgiving dinner — this recipe is the solution. Nothing goes to waste, as a gumbo not only takes advantage of any leftover meat, but the carcass becomes a rich, flavorful stock. It yields a large amount so it’s perfect if your Thanksgiving guests are staying through the weekend, and it freezes beautifully for quick meals during the busy holiday season.
Lastly, if you’re planning a traditional Christmas Eve gumbo, this turkey gumbo recipe makes great practice for this seasonal skill.
How to Make Turkey Stock
- From your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, remove as much meat as possible and set aside for the gumbo.
- Place the bones on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes at 450 degrees.
- After roasting, put the bones in a 5-quart or larger stock pot with a quartered onion, carrots and celery.
- Add two or three smashed garlic cloves, two bay leaves and some salt and pepper to season.
- Add 4 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a simmer and maintain by turning to a lower heat. Skim the fat from surface.
- Let stock reduce for 2-3 hours.
- Pass the mixture through a fine strainer and then it’s ready to add to your gumbo! It can also be refrigerated for five days or frozen for up to six months. Yields 3-3.5 quarts.
Leftover Turkey Gumbo Recipe
After you’ve made your turkey stock, combine the leftover meat with a dark roux, sausage, the Cajun trinity and plenty of delicious savory spices for a second meal sure to rival the original holiday feast.
Inspired? Start with one of our favorite gumbo recipes — just switch out the chicken breasts for your leftover turkey meat and replace the chicken stock with the homemade turkey one above.
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