Turkey Soup with Root Vegetables

1 roast turkey carcass, cut into pieces

12 cups cold water

3 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 Spanish onion, chopped

¼ bunch Italian parsley

2 bay leaves

12 whole black peppercorns

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 red onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, diced

2 carrots, diced

1 large parsnip, peeled and diced

½ pound rutabagas, peeled and diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons minced Italian parsley

salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Bring the turkey carcass and water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Skim off and discard any scum that forms. Add the chopped celery, chopped carrots, chopped Spanish onion, 1/4 bunch parsley, bay leaves, and peppercorns and return to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 3 hours. Strain the turkey broth through a mesh sieve and skim off any fat that floats to the surface.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the red onion; cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the diced celery, diced carrots, parsnip, and rutabaga; cook 5 minutes more. Stir in the garlic and chopped parsley, and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in the turkey broth, season to taste with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are nearly tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the orzo and cook until just tender, about 7 minutes. Cover and remove the pot from the heat. Let stand until the orzo is tender, about 5 minutes.