Hey there, soup lovers! 👋
Looking for the coziest way to warm up your day? This homemade turkey soup recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl! 🍜
You know those comfort foods that just make everything better? This soup is totally one of them! Whether you're:
- Looking to give your leftover turkey a tasty makeover
- Craving something warm and cozy
- Need a bowl of feel-good food
- Want to fill your home with amazing aromas
We're talking about tender chunks of turkey, rainbow-colored veggies, and herbs that'll make your kitchen smell like heaven. It's the kind of turkey soup recipe that makes you want to curl up in your favorite chair with a big bowl and just relax!
Using up that holiday turkey!
Chilly winter days
When someone's feeling under the weather
Meal prep for the week
Why You'll Love This Turkey Soup Recipe
Hey there! Let me tell you why this turkey soup recipe is about to become your new comfort food bestie! 🥣
You know how some recipes just make you feel good from the inside out? This soup is exactly that! It's like your grandma's cooking got a high-five from your wallet - totally delicious AND budget-friendly!
Here's why you'll fall in love with it:
- That broth? Oh my goodness! It simmers slowly until it's liquid gold
- Loaded with tender turkey chunks that'll make you forget it was leftovers
- Packed with veggies that even the picky eaters will enjoy
- Makes enough to feed the whole crew (and maybe have leftovers!)
Think of it as your leftover turkey's greatest comeback tour! It's like giving your holiday bird an amazing second act that'll have everyone asking for encores.
The best part? While your soup simmers away, your whole house will smell amazing - like a warm, cozy hug! Ready to learn the secrets to this magical soup? Let's dive in! ✨🍲
Jump to:
Ingredients
Let's get your shopping list together for this cozy turkey soup recipe! 🛒
For Your Amazing Broth Base:
- Turkey bones (2-3 pounds) - with some meat still on them!
- 1 big onion - diced and ready to add flavor
- 4 carrots - sliced into happy little rounds
- 4 celery stalks - all chopped up
- 3 cloves garlic - because yum!
- 2 bay leaves - our secret flavor boosters
- Fresh thyme (or dried works too!)
- Olive oil, salt & pepper - the basics!
For The Soup Magic:
Optional but awesome: egg noodles or rice for extra comfort!
2-3 cups shredded turkey - the star of the show!
2 more carrots - diced for extra color
2 more celery stalks - for that perfect crunch
Cup of frozen peas - adds such pretty green!
Fresh parsley - makes everything taste fresher
Turkey Soup Recipe Instructions
Let's make this cozy turkey soup recipe together - it's easier than you think! 🍜
Getting That Amazing Base Started:
- Heat up your biggest pot with some olive oil
- Toss in your veggie trio (onion, carrots, celery) - let them get soft and friendly (5-7 minutes)
- Add that garlic - your kitchen's about to smell amazing!
- Now add your turkey bones, water, and herbs
- Let everything get bubbly, then turn it down to simmer and let the magic happen (2-3 hours)
Time for Soup Magic! ✨
- Fish out those bones and bay leaves
- Want clear soup? Give it a strain!
- Back to the pot for round two
- Add your fresh veggies
- Let them get tender and tasty (10-15 minutes)
The Grand Finale:
- Time for turkey and peas!
- Craving carbs? Add noodles or rice now
- Give it a few more minutes to come together
- Sprinkle in that fresh parsley
- Season until it tastes just right
Helpful Tips
- For the richest flavor, roast the turkey soup recipe 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 recipe 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 turkey soup recipe 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.
Top Tip
Allow the soup to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows any excess fat to rise to the surface for easy removal.
Grandma's Magic Touch
Hey there! Let me share some heartwarming wisdom that makes this Turkey Soup Recipe extra special! 💝
You know what makes a bowl of soup taste like pure love? Those precious cooking secrets passed down through generations! My grandma (the soup whisperer!) always had the most amazing tricks for making turkey soup absolutely unforgettable.
"The secret to perfect soup," she'd say with that warm smile, "is taking your time and showing it some love!" Here are her special touches that make this soup pure magic:
- She'd always roast the bones first - "Just 15 minutes in the oven, dear. It wakes up all the flavors!"
- Her veggie trick? "Cut them all the same size - they need to cook together like a happy family!"
- For the broth? "Add one whole clove - just one! - and fish it out before serving. It's my secret weapon!"
- And her timing tip? "Never let it boil hard - just gentle bubbles, like tiny kisses!"
Sure, she might raise an eyebrow at using an ingredient shortcut (she was all about doing everything from scratch!), but even she'd have to admit - these little touches make any soup taste like it came straight from a grandmother's kitchen!
FAQ
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
The secret ingredient in turkey soup is apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Adding just 1-2 teaspoons of acid brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the broth. Other flavor boosters include bay leaves, fresh herbs like thyme, and a parmesan rind added during simmering.
How do you thicken homemade turkey soup?
To thicken turkey soup, make a slurry with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup. Alternatively, add potatoes or rice which naturally release starch, or blend a portion of the vegetables and broth. For a low-carb option, simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Which is better, turkey stock or turkey broth?
Turkey stock is better for soup because it's made from bones, resulting in a richer, more flavorful base with more collagen and minerals. Stock simmers longer than broth, extracting more flavor and nutrients from the bones. However, both work well in soup, and broth is a good quick alternative.
What is the secret to making good soup?
The secret to good soup is starting with sautéed aromatics (onions, carrots, celery) in butter or oil, then building layers of flavor gradually. Season at every step, add herbs early to infuse flavor, and always let the soup simmer (never boil) to develop deep flavors. A final taste adjustment with salt and acid makes flavors pop.
How did your Turkey Soup Recipe turn out?
I bet it was bowl-licking good! If you enjoyed this cozy soup, you'll definitely want to try our Marry Me Pasta Recipe next - it's another comforting dish that'll warm your heart and fill your belly!
Share your soup story with us:
- Did you add any special herbs?
- Maybe tried a different veggie combo?
- What did your family think?
- Any tips for others trying this recipe?
Drop a star rating below and share your experience - your feedback helps other home cooks know what to expect! And please share a photo if you can - we LOVE seeing your delicious creations! 📸
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 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
- 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
Notes
- Roast bones at 400°F (20-30 min) for deeper flavor
- Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking
- Remove fat by chilling broth and skimming surface
- Add noodles just before serving to prevent overcooking
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