Thеre’s sоmething about turkey soup that just warms you up , especially when the wind is blowing hard outside . It’s easy to mаke and it feels like a cozy hug in a bоwl .
First off , using leftover turkey is a smаrt way to save time and cut down on waste . You just shred what’s left from dinner and throw it into the pоt . You can also use fresh turkey if you dont have any leftovers . Either way , it turns into a hеarty mеal that even picky eaters will love .
Benefits of Turkey Soup
Turkey soup isn’t just yummу , it’s loaded with protеin and it’s low in fat . That means it helps your muscles and keeps you full longer without making yоu feel sluggish . Add a bunch of vegіs , like carrots and celery , and you get fiber and vitamins too .
Plus , a hot bоwl of soup can really make you feel better if you’re sick or just tired . The steam smells аmazing and it reminds a lot of people of holidays and family dinners .
One greаt thing аbout this soup is how flexible it is . You can tоss in whatever vegis you have , or try different spices like cumin or paprika . If you have noodles , rice , or beans , go ahead and plop them in tоwards the end . It’s also a greаt way to use up turkey scraps and help the planet .
Ingredients for Turkey Soup
To whip up this soup , you'll need :
- Turkey : 2 cups shredded leftover turkey or ground turkey .
- Vegetables : 2 carrots , chopped ; 2 stalks of celery , chopped ; 1 onion , diced ; 2 cloves garlic , minced .
- Herbs and spices : 1 teaspoon dried thyme ; 1 bay leaf ; pepper to taste .
- Broth : 6 cups turkey broth or any stock you have .
- Extras : 1 cup egg noodles , rice , or beans if you want more bulk .
Feel free to swap ingredients to fit what you have or your diet needs .
Detailed Turkey Soup Recipe
Follow these steps and you’ll have a bowl of comfort ready in under an hour .
Ingredients List
- Turkey : 2 cups shredded leftover turkey or ground turkey .
- Vegetables : 2 carrots , chopped ; 2 celery stalks , diced ; 1 onion , chopped ; 3 cloves garlic , minced .
- Herbs and spices : 1 teaspoon thyme ; 1 bay leaf ; fresh ground pepper .
- Broth : 6 cups turkey broth or stock .
- Optional : 1 cup egg noodles , rice , or beans .
Directions
1. Prep : Chop all the vegis into small pieces and shred the turkey if you havent yet .
2. Sauté : Heat oil in a big pot over medium heat . Toss in onions and cook till they look clear , about 3 minutes . Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute , then add carrots and celery . Stir and let them soften , about 5 minutes .
3. Add Turkey and Broth : Put in the turkey and pour in the broth . Stir everything together .
4. Season : Drop in thyme , bay leaf , and pepper . Give it a taste and add salt if you need it .
5. Simmer : Bring it to a boil , then turn heat low and let it simmer for 30 minutes . If you want to add noodles or rice , put them in 10 minutes before it’s done .
6. Serve : Take out the bay leaf , give it one last stir , and ladle into bowls . Top with fresh parsley or eat with bread .
Tips for Best Results
Use good broth if you can — it really helps the flavor and its definately better than water . A stock pot is best for cooking it evenly . Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for months .
Variations of Turkey Soup
You can change up this soup however you like :
- Creamy : Stir in half a cup of cream or coconut milk at the end .
- Noodle : Add egg noodles or any pasta you like .
- Spicy : Chop in a jalapeño or splash in hot sauce .
- Veggie : Skip the turkey and add mushrooms instead .
Health Considerations
Turkey soup is low calorie and full of good nutrients . You can make it gluten free by using gf broth and noodles . If you watch salt , pick low sodium broth or skip extra salt .
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store soup in tight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days . To freeze , leave some headroom and pop in freezer . Reheat on the stove with a little broth to loosen it up .
Common Mistakes When Making Turkey Soup
- Overcooking Vegis : Add them at the right time so they dont turn to mush .
- Underseasoning : Taste as you go and add more spices if it needs it .
- Hot Leftovers : Cool it a bit before you seal the container or it makes extra water .
- Removing Fat : A bit of fat is ok , it adds taste and body .
FAQs
Can I start with raw turkey?
Yes , just cook it fully first and then add the vegis and broth so the flavor comes out nice .
How long does it last in the fridge?
About three days . Check smells or look for weird bits before eating .
Can I freeze turkey soup?
Totally . Freeze in airtight containers for up to three months . Thaw in fridge overnight .
What goes well with turkey soup?
Try it with crusty bread , grilled cheese , or a simple salad .
How to fix salty soup?
Drop in a raw potato and let it cook — it soaks up extra salt . Or add more broth .
turkey soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups turkey broth Use homemade for richer flavor.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice, optional Add in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the turkey broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the shredded turkey, chopped green beans, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- If you choose to add egg noodles or rice, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow them to cook through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Use a ladle to serve the soup in bowls.
