All-Purpose Turkey Broth

Directions

1. 1
   Pour the cold water into the stockpot and set it over high heat.
2. 2
   Rinse the turkey wings and drop them in the water, followed by all the other ingredients as you prepare them.
3. 3
   Bring the water to a full active boil, then lower the heat slightly to maintain a gentle rolling boil.
4. 4
   For the next 15 minutes, cook uncovered, frequently skimming off the residue and scum as it accumulates.
5. 5
   Once there is no more or very little residue rising, set a cover ajar over the potI prop it up with a long wooden spoon resting on the pot rimleaving a space for evaporation.
6. 6
   Adjust the heat to keep the broth reducing slowly at a gentle boil.
7. 7
   (Note the level of liquid in the pot when you put the cover in place, so you can tell how much it has reduced.)
8. 8
   After an hour or more, mash the softened vegetables (if you want) against the side of the pan, especially the carrots and tomatoes.
9. 9
   A good smush with a spoon or spatula is enough.
10. 10
    Or (another choice) leave a few of the nicest carrot pieces intact to enjoy as a soup vegetable later on.
11. 11
    Buta major decisionif you want to end up with an especially clear broth, do not mash any vegetables at all.
12. 12
    At this time, the liquid level should be noticeably lower1 or 2 inches in most pots.
13. 13
    If not, make sure the broth is boiling actively and leave the cover off.
14. 14
    After 2 hours or so, when the broth is reduced by approximately 1/4 of its original volume, check its consistency and flavor.
15. 15
    If you want it for sauces, roasts, or other dishes, and it is light bodied with distinct brothy flavor-though not strong enough to call soupstop cooking now.
16. 16
    If you want it to have a stronger flavor and more bodyto serve as soup or use for more intense sauceskeep cooking uncovered, until it has concentrated to the degree you like.
17. 17
    (Or divide the broth: remove and reserve some of the lighter broth and cook the rest to intensify it.)
18. 18
    When the broth is cooked to your taste, turn off the heat.
19. 19
    Lift out the turkey wings with a spider or slotted spatula, and put them in a bowl to cool; extract any whole, attractive carrot pieces for later eating, too.
20. 20
    Set a sieve (either coarse, if you want body and color, or fine-meshed for clearer broth) or a colander into the empty pot and strain the broth through it.
21. 21
    Ladle out in stages if the pot is too heavy to pour from.
22. 22
    After the broth has drained through, press and scrape the vegetables against the sieve, mashing them well, then scrape the soft vegetable puree from the bottom of the sieve and blend it into the broth.
23. 23
    But if you want clear broth, dont press the vegetables at all.
24. 24
    If you are using the broth right away, skim the surface with a spoon or ladle, scooping up as much fat as possible; soak up the last floating slicks of fat by touching them with the edge of a paper towel.
25. 25
    Otherwise chill the broth (either in the pot or in smaller freezer containers) and pry off the fat layer after it has solidified.
26. 26
    Store unused broth in the refrigerator for 4 or 5 days; freeze for use within 4 or 5 months.
27. 27
    Bring it back to the boil before using in other dishes or serving as a soup.
28. 28
    Dont forget the turkey wings: separate and shred all the meat discard the bones, skin, and cartilage.
29. 29
    Enjoy the meat (and any carrots or other vegetables that youve saved).