Introduction: Turkey soup is the ultimate comfort food—nourishing, hearty, and perfect for using up leftovers.
Whether you have some turkey leftover from a holiday feast or you’re cooking a fresh batch, this turkey soup recipe will become a family favorite. Packed with vegetables, savory broth, and tender turkey, this soup is ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect turkey soup, provide tips for making it even better, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Ingredients:
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups turkey stock (or chicken stock)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Soup Add-ins:
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 cup egg noodles, or any pasta of choice (optional)
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. If you’re using potatoes, peel and dice them as well. Shred or chop the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. This is a great way to use up the bits of turkey from a roast or Thanksgiving dinner.Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.Add the Stock and Turkey:
Pour in the turkey (or chicken) stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded turkey, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using potatoes, add them now and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. If you’re adding peas or mixed vegetables, wait until the potatoes are done before adding them, as they cook quickly. If you’re adding pasta, this is also the time to do so. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more stock or water to achieve your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf.Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Best Turkey Soup:
Use Homemade Turkey Stock:
For the best flavor, make your own turkey stock using the carcass and bones from your roast turkey. Simmer the bones with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, along with herbs like thyme and rosemary, for several hours. If you’re in a time crunch, store-bought stock works fine too.Leftover Turkey Works Best:
Shredded turkey from leftovers is perfect for this soup, as it’s already tender and flavorful. You can use dark meat (thighs and drumsticks) or white meat (breast), or a combination of both for added flavor and texture.Add Extra Veggies:
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable additions. Leeks, parsnips, or turnips can be used in place of or in addition to the carrots and celery. You can also throw in some greens like spinach or kale for a nutritional boost.Thicken the Soup (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. This will give the soup a creamier texture without adding any cream.Make it a One-Pot Meal:
For a complete meal in a bowl, add cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa directly into the soup. This makes it heartier and more filling, perfect for a family dinner.
FAQs:
Can I make turkey soup with a store-bought rotisserie chicken? Yes! If you don’t have leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Simply swap out the turkey for chicken, and follow the recipe as instructed. The flavor will be just as delicious.
How can I store leftover turkey soup? Turkey soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow it to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I make turkey soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! To make turkey soup in a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables and garlic first (either in a pan or in the slow cooker if it has a sauté function), then add the remaining ingredients (stock, turkey, herbs, etc.). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta or other quick-cooking vegetables in the last 30 minutes.
How do I make this soup gluten-free? Simply omit the pasta or replace it with gluten-free pasta. You can also use rice, quinoa, or potatoes as a base instead of pasta. Be sure to check that your stock is gluten-free if you're using store-bought.
Can I make turkey soup ahead of time? Yes, turkey soup is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead, and the flavors will deepen over time. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
How can I make this soup more flavorful? You can add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste when cooking the vegetables to add depth of flavor. Adding a little bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish and balance the richness of the broth.
Can I make this recipe without stock? While stock adds a rich, savory flavor, you can make turkey soup using water in place of stock. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings—especially the salt and herbs—since stock is typically seasoned.
Conclusion:
Turkey soup is a versatile and heartwarming dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or for a cozy, from-scratch meal. Whether you prefer it loaded with veggies, hearty potatoes, or comforting pasta, this turkey soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out today and enjoy a bowl of comforting, homemade goodness that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
Happy cooking!
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