Leftover Turkey Soup

This Leftover Turkey Soup recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken into a warm and hearty dish. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this soup is not just comforting; it’s also quick and easy to prepare. With its rich flavor and nourishing ingredients, this soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious soup ready in just 35 minutes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that makes every spoonful delightful.
• Versatile Usage: Use any leftover turkey or chicken for this recipe, making it perfect for post-holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• Freezable Option: Make a large batch and freeze portions for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A spacious pot allows all ingredients to simmer together perfectly, enhancing the flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring efficiency during preparation.

Ingredients

This leftover turkey soup recipe is a delicious and simple way to use up leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken!

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion (or 2 shallots)
• 1 carrot (large)
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 clove garlic

For the Flavor

• 4 sprigs thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1½ litres / 6 cups turkey or chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves

For the Filling

• 75g / 1/2 cup giant/pearl couscous
• 250g / 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic along with thyme leaves.
• Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 2: Add Stock and Turkey

• Pour in the turkey or chicken stock along with the cooked turkey. Toss in the bay leaves.
• Bring the mixture to a boil while seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 3: Cook the Couscous

• Once boiling, add the giant couscous. Reduce heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of leftover turkey soup!

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup

Leftover turkey soup is not only a comforting dish but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance the meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your leftover turkey soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Artisan Bread: A slice of hearty artisan bread pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up all the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread for a flavorful crunch that complements the soup’s richness.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color and a burst of freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: Garnish with thyme leaves to enhance the herbal notes in the soup.

As a Main Dish

• In a Bowl: Serve the soup in deep bowls for a satisfying main course that warms you up.
• In a Bread Bowl: For a fun twist, hollow out small bread loaves to create edible bowls filled with soup.

How to Perfect Leftover Turkey Soup

To ensure your leftover turkey soup turns out delicious every time, consider these tips. They will help you enhance flavors and improve texture.

• Bold Flavors: Use quality stock or broth as your base. This adds depth and richness to your soup.
• Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables for added flavor, nutrition, and color.
• Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavor development; just be careful not to overcook the turkey.
• Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
• Add Citrus Zest: A touch of lemon or lime zest at the end brightens up the flavors without overpowering them.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Turkey Soup

Pair your leftover turkey soup with delightful side dishes that complement its flavors. These sides enhance your meal while keeping it comforting and satisfying.

1. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
2. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These fluffy biscuits provide a cheesy flavor and are perfect for dipping into the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring an earthy element that pairs well with the savory broth.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory notes of the soup.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed with grains, beans, or veggies, they make a hearty side filled with flavor.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with herbs provides texture and nutrition alongside your soup.
7. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad adds an interesting contrast in temperature and texture while remaining filling.
8. Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream make an excellent pairing for any bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making leftover turkey soup can be simple and rewarding, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of stock can alter the flavor. Always opt for high-quality turkey or chicken stock.
• Bold overcooking the veggies: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until they’re tender before adding stock.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Bold ignoring cooking times: Not following the recommended cooking times for couscous can result in an undesirable texture. Stick to the timing for best results.
• Bold skipping garnishes: Missing out on fresh herbs like parsley can reduce flavor depth. Always add fresh herbs right before serving for brightness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover turkey soup in airtight containers.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Leftover Turkey Soup

• Freeze soup in portioned containers or freezer bags for easy access.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for organization.

Reheating Leftover Turkey Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir occasionally and heat until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making leftover turkey soup.

How long does leftover turkey soup last?

Leftover turkey soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

Can I freeze leftover turkey soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey soup for 2-3 months. Just ensure it’s in airtight containers.

What can I add to leftover turkey soup?

You can customize your leftover turkey soup by adding vegetables like peas or corn, or even different grains like rice or quinoa.

How do I make my leftover turkey soup thicker?

To thicken your leftover turkey soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water or incorporate pureed vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This leftover turkey soup is a delightful way to utilize extra turkey while creating a comforting meal. Its versatility allows for various ingredient swaps based on your taste preferences, so feel free to get creative! Give it a try today!

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Leftover Turkey Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Transform your leftovers into a delicious and heartwarming Leftover Turkey Soup that the whole family will love. This quick and easy recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this nutritious soup is not only comforting but also loaded with protein and fiber. Use any leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for a satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s freezable, so you can easily store portions for future meals!

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Ingredients

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• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion (or 2 shallots)
• 1 large carrot
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 sprigs thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1½ litres / 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 75g / 1/2 cup giant/pearl couscous
• 250g / 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over low heat, sauté chopped onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and thyme in olive oil and butter for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add chicken stock and cooked turkey to the pot along with bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Stir in giant couscous, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg