# Hue Style Turkey Noodle Soup: A Tasty Method to Savor Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving is an occasion for family, appreciation, and of course, a celebration of food. Nevertheless, one of the highlights of the holiday frequently arrives after the feast: the remnants. Among the diverse meals that can be crafted from leftover turkey, a prominent option is Hue Style Turkey Noodle Soup. This dish not only makes use of the turkey carcass to generate a flavorful stock but also transforms the typical Thanksgiving spread into a lively and tasty soup inspired by Vietnamese flavors.
## The Delight of Leftovers
Many individuals have their personal favorite methods of enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers. While some lean towards turkey chili or sandwiches, others, like the creator of this recipe, cherish the concept of recreating a dish that reflects the original Thanksgiving spread. However, the real enchantment lies in utilizing those leftovers to create entirely new culinary offerings, such as the spicy turkey vermicelli noodle soup, a variation of the traditional Vietnamese bun bo hue.
## What is Bun Bo Hue?
Bun bo hue is a spicy noodle soup that hails from the Hue area of Central Vietnam. Traditionally prepared with beef, this dish showcases thick vermicelli noodles floating in a fragrant lemongrass broth, enhanced by tender pieces of meat and a variety of fresh herbs. The soup is celebrated for its intricate flavors, merging spicy, savory, sour, and sweet elements, earning it a special place in many hearts.
In this version, leftover turkey substitutes the beef, and a lemongrass turkey stock is prepared to deliver a unique and delectable twist on the classic recipe.
## How to Prepare Hue Style Turkey Noodle Soup
### Ingredients
#### For the Turkey Lemongrass Soup Stock
– 1 turkey carcass
– 3-4 stalks of lemongrass (bruised and cut into 4″ lengths)
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 shallot (split)
– 1.5 tbsp sugar (or ~20 grams of rock sugar)
– 8-9 cups water
#### For the Lemongrass Chili Oil
– 1/2 cup neutral oil
– 1-2 tbsp red pepper flakes (divided)
– 2 shallots (chopped)
– 6-8 cloves of garlic (chopped)
– 1/4 cup lemongrass (chopped)
– 1 tbsp sugar (or ~10 grams of rock sugar)
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tbsp shrimp paste (optional)
#### To Finish
– 12-16 oz dried rice vermicelli (thick hue style noodles)
– 1 lb leftover turkey (sliced or diced)
– Red onion (thinly sliced)
– Mint (roughly chopped, optional)
– Cilantro (roughly chopped, optional)
– Green onions (sliced, optional)
– 1 lime (cut into wedges)
### Instructions
1. **Make the Stock**: Adjust the oven racks to accommodate a large pot in the center and preheat to 200°F. Place the turkey carcass, lemongrass, garlic, shallot, and sugar into the pot, covering it with water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then move to the oven uncovered for 2 hours.
2. **Prepare the Chili Oil**: In a small saucepan, heat the oil and chili flakes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat and strain. Return the oil to the pan with shallots, garlic, and lemongrass. Cook over medium heat until the shallots become tender (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in rock sugar until it dissolves, then add red pepper flakes, fish sauce, and shrimp paste.
3. **Strain the Stock**: Take the stock out of the oven and strain it into a large pot. Season with fish sauce to taste, keeping it at a low boil.
4. **Assemble the Soup**: Cook the noodles as per package instructions. Drain and place in warmed bowls. Top with 2 cups of the spicy broth, 1-2 tablespoons of chili oil, and leftover turkey. Garnish with sliced red onions, mint, cilantro, green onions, and lime. Adjust chili oil according to taste for preferred heat.
## Conclusion
Hue Style Turkey Noodle Soup is an exceptional way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into a meal that is not only comforting but also full of flavor. The combination of lemongrass, spices, and fresh herbs creates a delightful experience that enhances the humble turkey into a vibrant dish. So, the next time you have leftover turkey on hand, consider this delightful recipe to maximize your holiday feast. Enjoy!