Name: Hearty Turkey Leftover Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups turkey or chicken broth; 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 lemon, juiced

Turkey Leftover Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially after a big holiday feast. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming those remnants of roast turkey into a hearty, flavorful broth brimming with tender meat and wholesome vegetables. We all love it because it’s a delicious second act for our Thanksgiving or Christmas bird, preventing waste and creating a brand new, equally beloved meal. What makes this Turkey Leftover Soup truly special is its versatility; you can tailor it to your exact preferences, adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables based on what you have on hand. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday. This isn’t just soup; it’s a culinary hug, a resourceful masterpiece, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that celebrates the joy of good food and smart cooking.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups turkey or chicken broth
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach or kale
1 cup frozen peas
1 lemon, juiced

Preparing the Aromatics

The foundation of any great soup, especially a comforting Turkey Leftover Soup, starts with building a rich flavor base. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. This trio, often referred to as “mirepoix,” is crucial for developing depth and sweetness in your soup. Stir them frequently, allowing them to soften and become translucent, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. You’re not looking to brown them aggressively at this stage, just gently cook them until they lose their raw crispness. This process releases their natural sugars and creates a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Infusing with Garlic and Herbs

Once your vegetables have softened beautifully, it’s time to introduce the pungent aroma of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Be mindful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor to your soup. Just a minute is all it takes for the garlic to become fragrant and release its savory essence. Now, it’s time to awaken the dried herbs. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and dried rosemary, stirring them into the softened vegetables and garlic. Toasting the dried herbs briefly in the hot oil and vegetable mixture helps to release their essential oils, intensifying their flavor and making them more potent. This step truly elevates the aromatic profile of your Turkey Leftover Soup, ensuring it’s packed with herbaceous goodness.

Building the Broth and Turkey Base

With your aromatics perfectly sautéed and fragrant, it’s time to add the liquid and the star ingredient. Pour in the 6 cups of turkey or chicken broth. If you have homemade turkey broth from a previous roast, that would be ideal, but good quality store-bought broth works wonderfully. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Next, add the 2 cups of shredded cooked turkey. This is where your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner truly shines! Stir everything together, ensuring the turkey is submerged in the broth. At this point, the soup is starting to take shape, transforming into a hearty and satisfying meal. Allow this mixture to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and for the turkey to absorb some of the savory broth, making it even more delicious.

Adding the Greens and Peas

As the soup simmers and the flavors deepen, it’s time to incorporate the vibrant freshness of the vegetables. Add the 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale to the pot. If you’re using spinach, it will wilt down very quickly, usually within just a couple of minutes. Kale, being a bit heartier, might take a few minutes longer. Stir it in gently until it’s fully incorporated and tender. Following the greens, add the 1 cup of frozen peas. Frozen peas are fantastic because they cook almost instantly and add a pop of sweetness and color to the soup. Stir them in and let them heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Resist the urge to overcook the greens and peas; you want them to retain their bright color and a slight, pleasant bite.

Finishing Touches and Seasoning

The final steps are crucial for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony. Taste the soup and season it generously with salt and pepper to your preference. This is the moment to adjust the flavor profile. Remember that broths can vary in saltiness, so start with a little and add more as needed. Now for a bright, zesty finish that truly cuts through the richness of the soup: stir in the juice of 1 lemon. The acidity from the lemon juice brightens all the other flavors, lifting the soup and making it taste incredibly fresh and vibrant. It’s a simple trick that makes a world of difference. Give the soup one final stir, ensuring the lemon juice is evenly distributed. Your delicious Turkey Leftover Soup is now ready to be enjoyed.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and satisfying Turkey Leftover Soup that’s perfect for transforming those post-holiday trimmings into something truly special. We’ve walked through how to build layers of flavor, from sautéing aromatics to simmering with nourishing broth and your leftover turkey. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it a go-to for any time you have a surplus of cooked turkey. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand.

For serving, I love to ladle this hearty soup into bowls and top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crunchy croutons for added texture. It’s also fantastic served alongside crusty bread for dipping. Remember, the beauty of this Turkey Leftover Soup lies in its versatility. Feel free to add in other leftover vegetables like cooked carrots, peas, or corn. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken works just as well. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this comforting dish!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Turkey Leftover Soup is actually even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What if I don’t have any turkey leftovers?

No problem at all! This recipe is fantastic with leftover cooked chicken as well. If you don’t have any cooked poultry, you can easily adapt it to be a vegetable soup by omitting the turkey and adding more vegetables and perhaps a can of white beans for extra protein and heartiness.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add a kick to your Turkey Leftover Soup, you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving. Some diced jalapeños sautéed with the onions and carrots can also provide a nice warmth.