Why Make This Recipe
Savory Turkey Pozole Verde is a fantastic way to use leftovers from your holiday turkey. Instead of letting the leftover turkey sit in the fridge, you can transform it into a warm, flavorful soup that everyone will enjoy. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also brings a delightful mix of smoky and tangy flavors. Making pozole is a great way to provide comfort and nourishment to your family, especially on cooler days.
How to Make Savory Turkey Pozole Verde
Ingredients
- 1 large turkey carcass (for making broth)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans hominy (rinsed and drained)
- 3 medium fresh green chiles (e.g., jalapeños or serranos, chopped)
- 6 medium tomatillos (husked and chopped)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (toasted, optional)
- 1 large lime (cut into wedges)
Directions
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Start by placing the turkey carcass in a large pot and covering it with water. Let it simmer for at least an hour to create a rich broth. Remove the carcass, and strain the broth to remove any solids.
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In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
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Next, add the chopped green chiles and tomatillos to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatillos begin to soften.
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Pour in the strained turkey broth and bring it to a boil.
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Add the hominy and shredded turkey meat from the carcass back into the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 20-30 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.
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Optionally, serve with toasted pumpkin seeds and lime wedges for extra flavor.
How to Serve Savory Turkey Pozole Verde
Serve your pozole hot, garnished with lime wedges and toasted pumpkin seeds if desired. You can also offer additional toppings like chopped onions, radishes, or more cilantro on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl.
How to Store Savory Turkey Pozole Verde
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the pozole for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Savory Turkey Pozole Verde
- If you like it spicier, add more green chiles or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
- For a smoother texture, blend some of the tomatillos before adding them to the pot.
- Add more veggies like zucchini or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Variations
You can customize your turkey pozole by switching up the chiles or using different herbs. For a vegetarian version, replace turkey with beans or extra veggies and use vegetable broth instead.
FAQs
Can I use turkey breast instead of a carcass?
Yes, you can use turkey breast to make a lighter broth, but it won’t be as rich in flavor.
What if I can’t find tomatillos?
If tomatillos are unavailable, use green tomatoes or even a little lime juice to add acidity.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low for a hands-off approach.
Savory Turkey Pozole Verde
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A warm and flavorful soup made from leftover holiday turkey, featuring a mix of smoky and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large turkey carcass (for making broth)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans hominy (rinsed and drained)
- 3 medium fresh green chiles (e.g., jalapeños or serranos, chopped)
- 6 medium tomatillos (husked and chopped)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (toasted, optional)
- 1 large lime (cut into wedges)
Instructions
- Place the turkey carcass in a large pot and cover it with water. Let it simmer for at least an hour to create a rich broth. Remove the carcass and strain the broth to remove any solids.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add chopped green chiles and tomatillos to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the tomatillos begin to soften.
- Pour in the strained turkey broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the hominy and shredded turkey meat from the carcass back into the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Optionally, serve with toasted pumpkin seeds and lime wedges for extra flavor.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat by thawing and warming on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican