Smoked Turkey and Bacon Chowder with Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 smoked turkey drumsticks (4 to 4 1/2 pounds total)
• 2 cups chopped applewood-smoked bacon (about 10 ounces), divided
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, diced
• 5 cups chopped onions
• 4 cups chopped celery
• 3 cups chopped carrots
• 12 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 12 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
• Cayenne pepper
• 24 pearl onions
• 24 small fresh brussels sprouts
• Very thin strips of fresh sage
• Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey; sauté until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate. Add 1 cup bacon to pot; stir 1 minute. Add next 5 ingredients. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 15 minutes. Mix in tomato paste. Add 12 cups broth; return turkey to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until turkey and vegetables are very tender, about 45 minutes.

2. 2

   Transfer turkey to large plate; cool. Cut meat into bite-size pieces, discarding all skin, bones, and tendons. Working in batches, puree chowder in processor until smooth. Return puree to same pot; add diced turkey. Thin chowder with more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before serving.

3. 3

   Cook onions and brussels sprouts in pan of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; peel onions. Cut onions and brussels sprouts in half through core. do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

4. 4

   Sauté 1 cup bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add onions and brussels sprouts to skillet. Toss until heated through.

5. 5

   Ladle chowder into bowls. Top with onions, brussels sprouts, bacon, and fresh sage. Serve Croutons alongside or on top of chowder.