Flavors Worth Savoring
Easy Turkey Soup Recipe | Comfort Food Classic
As the air gets crisp and leaves start to fall, nothing beats the smell of homemade turkey soup. The broth is rich, the turkey is tender, and the veggies are fresh. This recipe turns leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a cozy meal everyone will love.
Looking to use up holiday leftovers or just want a homemade soup? This recipe is perfect. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in under an hour, making six servings. With its high rating and essential nutrients, it’s set to become a family favorite.
How to Make the Perfect Turkey Soup Recipe
Making a tasty turkey soup is simple. You just need a few ingredients and some basic steps. This way, you can make a warm and tasty easy turkey soup for a cold day. Let’s look at what you need to make the best turkey broth recipe.
Key Ingredients Overview
The turkey is the main ingredient. You’ll need a turkey carcass or leftover turkey meat. This will be the base of your broth. You’ll also need:
- Onions, carrots, and celery (the classic “mirepoix” base)
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients mix to make a tasty and healthyturkey soup recipe.
Recipe Quick Facts
Here are the important details for this easy turkey soup recipe:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hour 25 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes | 8 |
With a little effort and simmering, you’ll have a tasty and comfortingturkey soup ready to enjoy.
“A steaming bowl of homemade turkey soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make and so satisfying.”
Creating Rich and Flavorful Turkey Broth
To make the perfect turkey broth recipe for your homemade turkey soup, start with the leftover turkey carcass. Add a mix of aromatic vegetables and herbs. Include onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and a Parmesan rind for extra flavor.
Put the ingredients in water, making sure the carcass is fully covered. Let it simmer for about an hour. This long simmering time lets the bones release their flavorful collagen. It makes a healthy turkey soup base full of taste.
After the broth tastes rich, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Throw away the spent vegetables and bones. Your homemade turkey broth is now ready to be the base of your comforting soup. You can also freeze it for later, keeping you ready for a delicious turkey soup anytime.
“The key to a truly delicious turkey soup is in the broth. Simmering the carcass with aromatics extracts every ounce of flavor, making a rich, nourishing base for the soup.”
– Rachel Benight MS, RD, recipe developer
Fresh Ingredients and Seasonings for Your Soup
To make the perfect turkey vegetable soup, start with fresh ingredients. Use diced onions, carrots, and celery as your base. These base vegetables are the heart of your healthy turkey soup.
Herb and Spice Combinations
Add flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage. Mix these with savory poultry seasoning. This blend will make your soup unforgettable.
Protein Options
- Diced or shredded leftover turkey meat
- Cooked chicken pieces (if you don’t have turkey)
- Beans or lentils for a vegetarian/vegan alternative
Try different proteins to match your diet and what you have. Add the protein later to keep it moist and flavorful.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, diced | 1 cup |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Rosemary, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Thyme, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Sage, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Poultry seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Leftover turkey, diced or shredded | 2 cups |
Homemade turkey soup is all about trying new things. Add more veggies, herbs, or even cream to make it your own.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Make a tasty and comforting easy turkey soup or quick turkey soup with this easy guide. Whether you want a classic turkey noodle soup recipe or a fast weeknight meal, this recipe is perfect.
- Begin by sautéing carrots, celery, and onion in a large pot or Dutch oven with butter or oil. Cook until they’re soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add cooked turkey, fresh thyme, and a bay leaf. Pour in turkey stock or broth and let it simmer.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the soup simmers, cook egg noodles or your favorite pasta. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, place hot turkey soup in bowls and add noodles. Top with fresh dill for a bright touch.
For a quicker quick turkey soup, use pre-made broth. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Or, use a slow cooker for 6 hours of hands-off cooking.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 2 hrs 55 mins | 3 hrs 15 mins | 6 servings | 6 servings |
Follow these steps to make a delicious and nourishing easy turkey soup for your family. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy meal.
Storage Tips and Leftover Ideas
After enjoying your homemade turkey soup, make sure to store leftovers right. The USDA says cooked turkey can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. For the best taste, keep your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you freeze it, keep pasta or rice separate to avoid them getting too soft.
When reheating your leftover turkey soup, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This lets the flavors mix even better. You can also use this soup as a base for casseroles, pot pies, or to add flavor to rice dishes. With a bit of creativity, your leftover soup can become a whole new meal.
Enjoying your leftover turkey soup on its own or using it in another recipe is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. With a few easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the comforting taste of this easy turkey soup recipe for days.
