Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday growing up. There was nothing quite like the smell of a perfectly roasted turkey wafting through the house, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie. But you know what I looked forward to even more than the main meal? The Turkey Soup we’d make the next day.
My mom would spend hours simmering the turkey carcass with aromatics, creating the most rich and flavorful broth. Then she’d add in chunks of tender turkey meat, carrots, celery, and egg noodles to make the most comforting, soul-warming Turkey Soup. I can still picture myself curled up on the couch, bowl of Turkey Soup in hand, savoring every last sip. It just seemed to have this magical ability to transport me right back to the warmth and coziness of my childhood.
That’s why I’m so excited to share my foolproof Turkey Soup recipe with you today. This isn’t just any old Turkey Soup – it’s the one that will become your new go-to, I guarantee it.
Table of Contents
Why This Turkey Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind the perfection of this Turkey Soup lies in the rich, flavorful broth. Instead of just simmering the turkey carcass, I add in a handful of aromatic veggies and herbs that infuse the broth with so much depth and complexity. Trust me, once you taste this broth, you’ll never want to go back to a basic Turkey Soup again.
The Secret Behind Perfect Turkey Soup
I also have a little trick up my sleeve when it comes to the turkey meat. Rather than just tossing in random chunks, I shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that you get a delicious morsel of turkey in every single spoonful. Plus, the smaller pieces soak up all the flavors of the broth even better.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Turkey carcass or bones: This is the foundation of the broth and provides that quintessential turkey flavor.
- Onion, carrots, celery: The classic trio of aromatic veggies that add depth and sweetness to the broth.
- Garlic: Minced garlic lends its pungent, savory notes to the soup.
- Herbs: A mix of fresh thyme, parsley, and bay leaves infuses the broth with fragrance.
- Turkey meat: Shredded or chopped turkey meat makes this soup truly satisfying.
- Egg noodles: I love the way the egg noodles soak up all the delicious broth.
Step-by-Step Turkey Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Turkey Soup
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, making this Turkey Soup is a total breeze. It takes just about an hour and a half from start to finish, and the majority of that time is hands-off simmering. All you need is a large pot or Dutch oven and you’re good to go.
1- Start by placing the turkey carcass or bones in a large pot and cover with 8 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
2- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the broth simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the turkey bones to release all their flavorful goodness.
3- After simmering, remove the turkey bones from the pot and discard. Add in the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Let the soup continue to simmer for 30 more minutes.
4- Finally, shred or chop the leftover turkey meat and add it to the pot. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the meat is heated through.
5- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
6- Ladle the hot Turkey Soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Turkey Soup is in the broth. Be sure to let it simmer for at least an hour to extract maximum flavor from the turkey bones. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different aromatics – sometimes I’ll add in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Another pro tip? Shredding the turkey meat rather than using big chunks makes for a more cohesive, satisfying soup. And be generous with the seasoning – Turkey Soup really shines when the flavors are bold and balanced.
Serving and Storing Your Turkey Soup
Perfect Pairings for Turkey Soup
This Turkey Soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad or crusty bread are classic choices. For a heartier meal, you can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich or a plate of crackers and cheese.
And don’t forget the beverages! A crisp white wine or a cold beer are both fantastic complements to the rich, savory flavors of the Turkey Soup. Or for a cozy, comforting pairing, try a mug of hot apple cider or mulled wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Turkey Soup is that it actually gets better with time. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch. The soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can even freeze individual portions for easy meal-prepping. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Turkey Soup
Creative Turkey Soup Variations
While this classic Turkey Soup recipe is pretty darn perfect as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try adding in wild rice or barley for extra heartiness, or experiment with different veggie combinations like zucchini, spinach, or kale.
For a creamy twist, blend in a can of white beans or stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end. And don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings – a dash of curry powder, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a handful of fresh thyme can take this soup in all sorts of delicious directions.
Making Turkey Soup Diet-Friendly
Looking to make your Turkey Soup a bit lighter and healthier? It’s easy to adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or try spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead.
To make it dairy-free, omit the heavy cream and use olive oil or avocado oil in place of butter. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly take, skip the noodles altogether and load it up with extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a whole turkey instead of just the carcass?
A: Absolutely! Using a whole turkey, bones and all, will give you an even richer, more flavorful broth. Just make sure to remove any large pieces of meat before simmering so you can shred them and add them back in at the end.
Q: How long does the Turkey Soup need to simmer?
A: For best results, let the turkey bones simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the bones to fully release their flavor into the broth. Then add in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for another 30 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Turkey Soup?
A: Yes, Turkey Soup freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How much Turkey Soup does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings of Turkey Soup, depending on portion size. It’s a great way to use up any leftover turkey after the holidays, and the recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs.
Q: Why is my Turkey Soup coming out cloudy?
A: If your Turkey Soup has a cloudy appearance, it’s likely due to impurities in the broth. To avoid this, be sure to skim any foam or fat that rises to the surface while the broth is simmering. You can also try straining the broth through a fine-mesh sieve before adding in the other ingredients.
Turkey Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
This homemade Turkey Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Filled with tender chunks of turkey, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. – Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. – Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. – Pour in the broth and add the cooked turkey, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
5. – Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. – Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
This Turkey Soup can be made with leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken. For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about a warm bowl of homemade Turkey Soup. It’s the perfect way to use up any leftover turkey after the holidays, and trust me, this recipe is going to blow your mind. The broth is rich and flavorful, the turkey meat is tender and delicious, and the egg noodles make it so satisfying.
I hope you’ll give this Turkey Soup a try – I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to recipe. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!
