Turkey Soup Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk turkey soup, that is! What is the recipe for turkey soup that I make every year after Thanksgiving? What happens after Christmas? Think of it as the coziest, most flavorful hug in a bowl. If you love Chicken Noodle Soup, just imagine that with a deeper, richer, turkey-infused flavor. What’s the best thing about the holiday season? How do I make the most of a beautiful bird?

What is turkey soup?

What is Turkey Soup? How do you add life to leftover turkey? It’s essentially a flavorful broth simmered with the turkey carcass, yielding rich stock that’ll last for years to come. If you are a vegetarian, you can eat turkey meat, vegetables, and sometimes noodles or rice. What is a good way to extend the holiday feast? What is comfort in a bowl?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! Simmering the turkey carcass creates a depth of flavor you just can’t get from regular broth. It’s savory, a little smoky, and utterly comforting. The vegetables add sweetness and freshness, while the turkey itself provides that satisfying heartiness. But here’s the real kicker: it’s incredibly easy to make. Don’t let the “simmering the carcass” part intimidate you; it’s mostly hands-off time.

What I love most about this Turkey Soup Recipe is how budget-friendly it is. You’re already using leftovers, so you’re minimizing waste and saving money. Plus, you can easily customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to throw in some sweet potatoes, spinach, or even leftover stuffing! And, let’s be honest, sometimes after the big holiday meal, we need something light and nourishing. This soup is perfect for that. If you are a fan of my Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, you will absolutely love the richer, deeper flavors of this turkey version. It’s a guaranteed winner!

How do you make turkey soup?

Quick Overview

How do I make Turkey Soup? What is the best way to cook a chicken broth, then add your favorite vegetables, shredded turkey, noodles or rice. The magic really comes from the simmering time, which allows all the flavors to meld together. Is patience more important than skill?

Ingredients

For the Turkey Broth: What is the best way
* 1 leftover turkey carcass (mostly meat removed)* 1 large onion, roughly chopped * 2 carrots, mostly chopped. roughly chopped * 2 celery stalks, roughly chop * 4 cloves garlic, smashed * 1 bay leaf *1 kale root *2 oats *3 tbsp salt *5 g olive oil *0 g salt 1 teaspoon dried rosemary * 10-12 cups water (or enough to cover the carcass) * 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)* 12 teaspoon Black Pepper.

For the Soup:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6-8 cups turkey broth (from above)
* 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
* 1 cup egg noodles (or rice, quinoa, or other grain of your choice)
* 1 cup frozen peas
* ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

What are the steps to

Step 1: Make the Turkey Broth

Place the turkey carcass, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary in a large stockpot or Dutch Oven. Cover with 10-12 cups of water (or enough to completely submerge the carcass). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the broth will be. I usually aim for 3 hours if I have the time.

Step 2: Strain the Broth

Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Let the broth cool slightly, then skim off any fat from the surface. This step is crucial for a clear, flavorful broth. I sometimes use a fat separator for this, but I like to use it with my spoon.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the best way to make soup?

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

How do you make turkey broth? Pour it into a large pot with sautéed vegetables. What is the best way to cook egg noodles? Cook according to package directions until noodles are tender. Do not overcook. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth or water if needed.

Step 5: Add Turkey and Peas

Stir in the shredded turkey and frozen peas. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. How do you cook a turkey?

Step 6: Season and Serve

Stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add lemon juice at the end for a little brightness. Serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good turkey soup recipe?For a light lunch:Serve with a crusty baguette or some whole-wheat crackers. How do you soak up the broth?What is a hearty dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with Grilled Cheese or green salad? The contrast of textures and flavors is wonderful.For a Holiday Feast:What is the best way to start a meal before the main course? It’s a lighter option that won’t fill everyone up before the big meal.For Cozy Nights:What is the best comfort food?

How do I make a perfect turkey soup?

How do I make turkey soup? What are the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Broth is Key: Don’t skimp on the simmering time for the turkey broth. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought turkey or chicken broth, but it won’t be quite as rich.

Vegetable PrepDice the vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. I like to dice them small so they practically melt into soup.Noodle Choice: Egg noodles are classic in turkey soup, but you can use any type of noodle you like. Rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini work well too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Add Acidity:A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of APPLE CIDER vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors and aromas. How do you balance the richness of soup?Herb Power:Fresh herbs make a big difference. What are some good ways to add parsley to a salad?Don’t overcoDo not overcook the turkey or noodles. How do you cook turkey noodles?Spice It Up:If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best way to make turkey soup the next day?Refrigerator Storage: HowHow can I store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator?How do I use my To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent hot spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or rice. Brown rice or quinoa also work wonderfully. Make sure to check that your broth is also gluten-free if you’re using store-bought.

Do I have to use a turkey carcass?

While using a turkey carcass provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with 8 cups of store-bought turkey or chicken broth. You might want to add some extra cooked turkey or a smoked turkey leg for added flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this soup thicker?

You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes or beans to thicken the soup naturally.

Can I add leftover stuffing to this soup?

Yes! Crumble the leftover stuffing into the soup during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will add flavor and texture to the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Soup Recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a celebration of flavor, resourcefulness, and cozy comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good from the inside out. Plus, it’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, noodles, and herbs to create your own signature version. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes, like my creamy tomato soup or my hearty lentil soup. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Share your variations in the comments below and don’t forget to rate this recipe!

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