There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade turkey soup. Whether you're looking to transform leftover holiday turkey into something new or craving a nourishing meal, this turkey soup recipe delivers rich flavors and wholesome ingredients in every spoonful. The combination of tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying soup that's perfect for cold days or whenever you need a bowl of comfort.
Why You'll Love This Turkey Soup Recipe
This classic turkey soup recipe has stood the test of time for good reason. The slow-simmered broth extracts maximum flavor from the turkey bones, while chunks of meat and vegetables create a hearty, meal-worthy soup. It's an excellent way to stretch your grocery budget by transforming turkey leftovers into a completely new dish that serves the whole family.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Turkey Soup Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Helpful Tips
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment for Turkey Soup Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- A Bowl of Memories: The Story Behind This Turkey Soup Recipe
- FAQ
- The Final Sip: Why This Turkey Soup Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
- Related
- Pairing
- Turkey Soup Recipe
Ingredients
the Soup Base:
- 2-3 pounds turkey bones with some meat attached
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
the Soup:
- 2-3 cups shredded turkey meat
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 cup egg noodles or rice
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften (about 5-7 minutes)
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Add turkey bones, water, bay leaves, and thyme
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours
Straining and Building the Soup
- Remove turkey bones and bay leaves from the broth
- Strain the broth if desired for a clearer soup
- Return broth to the pot and bring to a simmer
- Add fresh diced carrots and celery
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender
Finishing Touches
- Add shredded turkey meat and frozen peas
- If using noodles or rice, add them now
- Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes
- Stir in fresh parsley
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Helpful Tips
- For the richest flavor, roast the turkey bones at 400°F for 20-30 minutes before adding them to the soup
- Don't rush the simmering process – longer cooking time equals more flavor
- Remove excess fat by refrigerating the broth overnight and skimming off the solidified fat
- Cut vegetables in uniform sizes for even cooking
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This turkey soup is naturally high in protein and can be made gluten-free by omitting noodles or using gluten-free alternatives. It's also packed with vegetables, making it a nutritious complete meal. Serve with:
- Crusty whole grain bread
- Fresh green salad
- Cornbread muffins
- Grilled cheese sandwich
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it grain-free by using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
- Add different vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or corn
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of turkey
Equipment for Turkey Soup Recipe
- Large stockpot (at least 8-quart capacity)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large spoon for skimming
- Storage containers for leftovers
Storage Instructions
Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
A Bowl of Memories: The Story Behind This Turkey Soup Recipe
Some recipes aren’t just about food—they’re about the moments that stay with you long after the last bite. This Turkey Soup Recipe takes me back to chilly evenings when my mom would stand over a simmering pot, coaxing magic out of simple ingredients. The kitchen would fill with the deep, rich aroma of broth slowly pulling every bit of flavor from the turkey bones, a promise that something wonderful was on its way.
Her secret? A parmesan rind and a splash of apple cider vinegar—two ingredients that worked quietly in the background, deepening the flavor in a way you couldn’t quite explain but always craved. But she had one more rule: once the soup was done, it had to rest. “Just ten minutes,” she’d insist, lifting the pot off the heat. That short pause allowed the flavors to meld perfectly and gave time for any excess fat to rise to the surface, making each bowl pure comfort.
Now, whenever I make this Turkey Soup Recipe, I honor that ritual, knowing that the best meals aren’t just cooked—they’re cared for. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, don’t just make soup—make a memory. And whatever you do, let it rest. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in old-fashioned turkey soup?
Old-fashioned turkey soup includes turkey bones, shredded turkey meat, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, all simmered in water to create a rich broth. Some variations add peas, parsley, rice, or noodles for extra heartiness, making it a comforting and nourishing homemade soup.
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
A splash of acid, like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, enhances soup flavors by balancing richness and deepening taste. Other secret ingredients include a parmesan rind for umami, a dash of soy sauce for depth, or a pinch of nutmeg to subtly enhance warmth in creamy or brothy soups.
What is the most famous soup in Turkey?
The most famous soup in Turkey is Mercimek Çorbası (Lentil Soup). Made with red lentils, onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, butter, and spices like cumin and paprika, it’s a creamy, comforting staple served with lemon wedges and crusty bread, enjoyed in homes and restaurants across Turkey.
How can I give my turkey soup more flavor?
For a richer turkey soup, roast the turkey bones before simmering, add a parmesan rind, bay leaves, and fresh herbs, and finish with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter or olive oil before adding broth also deepens the flavor.
The Final Sip: Why This Turkey Soup Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
A great recipe doesn’t just feed you—it nourishes the soul. This Turkey Soup Recipe proves that with just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can turn leftover turkey into a dish that’s every bit as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or a way to stretch your grocery budget, this homemade soup delivers in every spoonful.
And the best part? It’s just one of many ways to bring warmth and flavor to your table. If you love hearty, wholesome meals, you’ll also want to try our Veggie Lasagna Recipe—a delicious, veggie-packed comfort dish perfect for family dinners. And when it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t miss our irresistible Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
So next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, don’t let it go to waste—transform it into something unforgettable. Because the best meals aren’t just about ingredients; they’re about tradition, love, and the simple joy of a homemade dish.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Turkey Soup Recipe
Turkey Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large stockpot at least 8-quart capacity
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large spoon for skimming
- Storage containers for leftovers
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 2-3 lbs turkey bones With some meat attached
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 carrots sliced
- 4 celery stalks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 2-3 cups shredded turkey meat Cooked
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 cups shell pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Make the Broth:
- Heat oil in large pot over medium heat
- Sauté onion, carrots, celery (5-7 min)
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute
- Add bones, water, bay leaves, thyme
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 2-3 hours
- Remove bones and bay leaves, strain if desired
Complete the Soup:
- Return broth to pot, bring to simmer
- Add fresh carrots and celery, cook 10 min
- Add pasta, cook until al dente (8-10 min)
- Add turkey meat and peas
- Simmer 5 minutes
- Stir in parsley
- Season with salt and pepper
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