Why Make This Recipe
Leftover Turkey Soup is a great way to use up extra turkey from your holiday meals. It’s simple to prepare and warms you up on a chilly day. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, packed with vegetables and lean protein. Plus, it’s an easy way to create a comforting meal without much fuss.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken
- Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Bay leaves
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
- Broth or water
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, celery, and carrots until they are softened.
- Add the leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the broth or water and add bay leaves to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve the turkey soup hot, on its own or with crusty bread.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls. It pairs nicely with some crusty bread or a simple side salad. You can also sprinkle extra parsley on top for added freshness and color. Enjoy it on a cool evening or as a cozy lunch.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Soup
To store any leftover soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as soup expands when it freezes.
Tips to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
- Add any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge to boost flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, include some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you want a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or milk at the end.
Variation
You can make this soup with different meats. Instead of turkey, try using rotisserie chicken or even a ham bone for a different flavor. You can also vary the vegetables based on what you have, such as green beans or potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey! Just thaw it first before adding it to the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can replace the turkey with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth or water.
Can I add pasta to the soup?
Yes, you can add small pasta shapes like macaroni or orzo. Just add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Print
Leftover Turkey Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and healthy soup recipe using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken, packed with vegetables and flavor.
Ingredients
- Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 cups broth or water
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, celery, and carrots until they are softened.
- Add the leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the broth or water and add bay leaves to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve the turkey soup hot, on its own or with crusty bread.
Notes
For added flavor, you can include any leftover vegetables you have. For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or milk at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg