Turkey Soup Recipe

Turkey Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, especially great for using up leftover turkey, whether from a holiday meal or just a roast turkey dinner. The rich broth, tender turkey, and vegetables make it a hearty, nourishing meal. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for homemade Turkey Soup:

Turkey Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 8 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth, if you don’t have turkey broth)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, for added heartiness)
• 1 cup frozen peas (or green beans, corn, or another veggie of your choice)
• 1 cup egg noodles (or any small pasta, rice, or quinoa)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• A squeeze of lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
• Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
• Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add Herbs and Broth:

• Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary (if using), stirring to coat the vegetables with the herbs.
• Pour in the turkey broth (or chicken broth), and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Add the Turkey and Potatoes:

• Add the shredded or diced turkey and diced potatoes (if using) to the pot. Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the turkey is heated through.

4. Add the Noodles and Vegetables:

• Stir in the frozen peas (or other vegetables) and the egg noodles. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

5. Season and Taste:

• Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you like, you can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the soup for a pop of brightness, which complements the savory flavors.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips for the Best Turkey Soup:

• Use leftovers: This soup is perfect for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or any roast turkey. The more flavorful the turkey, the better the broth will be.
• Broth options: If you have homemade turkey stock (or chicken stock), it will add even more depth of flavor to the soup.
• Make it hearty: If you want a thicker soup, you can add more potatoes or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the broth. For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap out or add vegetables, like parsnips, leeks, zucchini, or green beans, depending on what you have available.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without noodles or rice, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Add the pasta or rice when reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread, garlic bread, or buttered rolls for a cozy, complete meal.
• Pair it with a simple side salad for extra veggies.
• For a more indulgent touch, top the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese.

This Turkey Soup is a great way to enjoy your leftover turkey in a new and comforting way. It’s hearty, easy to make, and packed with flavor—perfect for a cozy meal any time of year!