Homey Turkey Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul This Winter

Warm memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back when I stir this comforting turkey soup recipe.

Savory aromas instantly transport me to cozy family dinners after holiday gatherings.

Cold winter evenings demand hearty meals that wrap you in culinary comfort.

Leftover turkey finds new life in this nourishing broth packed with vegetables and tender meat chunks.

Fragrant herbs dance through rich layers of flavor, creating a soul-warming experience.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies both hunger and heart.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few easy steps.

Let’s turn those turkey leftovers into a bowl of pure, steaming happiness.

How to Simmer Turkey Soup That’s Flavorful

Step 1: Sizzle Veggie Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Infuse Herbal Essence

• Thyme
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour turkey broth into the pot and drop in a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Simmer Hearty Additions

Add diced potatoes to the bubbling broth. Lower heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes turn tender and soft.

Step 4: Introduce Protein and Greens

• Cooked turkey pieces
• Frozen peas
• Green beans

Allow ingredients to mingle and warm through for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Pull out the bay leaf. Splash in fresh lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Tips for Rich Broth and Tender Turkey

• Boost Veggie Flavor: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and enhanced taste. Sautéing them first releases natural sweetness and deepens overall soup flavor.
• Herb Selection Matters: Use fresh herbs when possible for brighter, more vibrant taste. Dried herbs work well too, but reduce quantity by one-third compared to fresh herbs.
• Broth Quality Tip: Homemade turkey or chicken broth elevates soup's richness. If using store-bought, choose low-sodium versions to control salt content more precisely.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap turkey with rotisserie chicken, shredded beef, or tofu for different protein options. Ensure meat is pre-cooked and tender before adding to soup.
• Texture Enhancement: Add cooked rice or small pasta directly into soup for heartier consistency. Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld completely.

Save and Reheat Turkey Soup for Later Meals

• Store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 4 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Great Sides to Serve with Turkey Soup

• A robust Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich turkey and vegetable flavors, enhancing the soup's depth and warmth.
• Crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia provide perfect texture contrast, helping soak up broth and adding delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top to brighten the soup's earthy profile and add a zesty, vibrant finish.
• Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Turkey Soup Variations for Every Season

• Hearty Vegetarian Swap: Replace turkey with firm tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks. Use bone broth for extra richness and skip starchy vegetables to maintain ketogenic requirements.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all broth and herbs are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional pasta or rice with quinoa or gluten-free rice noodles for safe consumption.
• Paleo-Friendly Adaptation: Use bone broth as base, choose organic free-range turkey meat, and remove legumes. Include extra root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added nutrition and texture.

Turkey Soup FAQs

• Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this soup?

Yes, you can easily substitute cooked chicken for turkey. The flavor profile and cooking method remain the same, making it a versatile recipe.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! This turkey soup is packed with protein from the turkey, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. It’s a nutritious one-pot meal that’s low in calories and high in flavor.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except the peas to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Why Turkey Soup Is a Great Way to Use Leftovers

• Transform unused holiday turkey into a comforting, hearty soup that prevents food waste and creates a delicious meal.
• Prepare this soup quickly in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious dinner without extensive cooking time.
• Swap ingredients like rice, pasta, or different vegetables to match your pantry contents and personal taste preferences.
• Pack multiple food groups into a single pot, delivering protein, vegetables, and warmth with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

What Goes Into a Hearty Turkey Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the soup base.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh flavor and nice crunch.

• Cooked Turkey: The main protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying, best used from leftover roasted or grilled turkey.
• Frozen Peas, Green Beans: Add a pop of green color and extra nutrition, frozen vegetables work perfectly for convenience.

• Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley: Classic herbs that complement poultry and create a comforting flavor, fresh herbs are ideal but dried work well.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Turkey Broth: Creates the soup's base, homemade broth provides the richest flavor.
• Potatoes: Adds substance and makes the soup more filling, can substitute with rice or pasta.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle background flavor, remove before serving.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a smooth base.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright, acidic touch to lift the soup's flavor.

Turkey Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty turkey soup brings comfort and warmth to any winter gathering, blending tender meat and rich herbs into a soul-soothing bowl. Nourishing ingredients simmer together, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids, Seasonings, and Garnish:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) turkey or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized cooking vessel over moderate flame, introducing diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery to the pan.
2. Gently sauté the vegetable medley for approximately 6-8 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a translucent appearance while releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Sprinkle in fragrant thyme, parsley, rosemary, along with measured salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the developing soup base.
4. Pour in rich turkey broth and nestle a bay leaf into the liquid, raising the temperature until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
5. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and incorporate cubed potatoes, allowing them to slowly tenderize in the bubbling liquid for 12-15 minutes.
6. Introduce pre-cooked turkey pieces and select seasonal green vegetables like frozen peas or crisp green beans into the simmering pot.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes, ensuring the protein and vegetables are thoroughly heated and harmoniously blended.
8. Extract the bay leaf and brighten the soup’s flavor with a splash of citrusy lemon juice, tasting and adjusting seasonings as desired.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot alongside a crusty artisan bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Enhance veggie texture by cutting them uniformly for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Swap broth with low-sodium versions to control salt intake and make the soup healthier for heart-conscious individuals.
• Use leftover roasted or grilled turkey for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the soup’s overall taste experience.
• Create gluten-free variations by replacing traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or quinoa, ensuring dietary flexibility without compromising nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg