There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s crafted from the remnants of a beautiful holiday feast. This Leftover Turkey Soup is not just a way to use up extra turkey—it’s a comforting tradition in many homes. Imagine turning your turkey dinner into an entirely new creation, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of fresh herbs, tender vegetables, and rich broth.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a wholesome meal to feed the family, this recipe brings out the best in your leftovers. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—a wonderful way to extend the joy of your festive gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Budget-Friendly: Uses leftovers and pantry staples to create a delicious, hearty soup.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Family Favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike, this soup is a meal everyone will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup uncooked pasta or rice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, then stir in the dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add the Turkey
Stir in the shredded turkey and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Pasta or Rice
If using pasta, add it directly to the pot and cook until tender, about 7-9 minutes. For rice, you may need a little more time—around 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Use What You Have: Feel free to swap out vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or add in some leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Boost the Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the soup just before serving.
- Control the Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes:
- If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each serving. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
- For a gluten-free version, use rice or gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: Can I use uncooked turkey?
A: This recipe is designed for cooked turkey, but if you have raw turkey, cook it separately before adding it to the soup.
Q: What other grains can I use?
A: Quinoa, barley, or farro are great alternatives to pasta or rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freeze: For best results, freeze without the pasta or rice, as these can become mushy during reheating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this soup, here are a few more comforting dishes to try:
Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Soup is a beautiful way to bring new life to your holiday leftovers. With its warm, comforting flavors and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. So, grab your leftovers, a cozy blanket, and enjoy a bowl of this soul-soothing soup!
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Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup
Description
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s crafted from the remnants of a beautiful holiday feast. This Leftover Turkey Soup is not just a way to use up extra turkey—it’s a comforting tradition in many homes. Imagine turning your turkey dinner into an entirely new creation, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of fresh herbs, tender vegetables, and rich broth.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a wholesome meal to feed the family, this recipe brings out the best in your leftovers. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—a wonderful way to extend the joy of your festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup uncooked pasta or rice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, then stir in the dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add the Turkey
Stir in the shredded turkey and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Pasta or Rice
If using pasta, add it directly to the pot and cook until tender, about 7-9 minutes. For rice, you may need a little more time—around 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each serving. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
- For a gluten-free version, use rice or gluten-free pasta.