Name: Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion; 1 tbsp flour; 3 Large Carrots; 2 stalks celery; 3 cups leftover turkey; 8 cups turkey broth; ½ tsp *poultry seasoning; 1 bay leaf; salt and pepper; 4 oz shell noodles; 1 tbsp parsley

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of homemade turkey soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from a holiday meal. Packed with vegetables and tender turkey, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Photos of Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe

If you don't usually keep poultry seasoning or bay leaves in your pantry, you'll need to pick these up at the supermarket. Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary that adds depth to the soup. Bay leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor and should be removed before serving.

Ingredients for Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions, adding a rich flavor and aiding in the cooking process.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.

Flour: Helps to slightly thicken the soup, giving it a hearty consistency.

Carrots: Provide sweetness and a contrasting texture to the soup.

Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and a depth of flavor.

Turkey: The star of the soup, adds protein and a rich, savory taste.

Turkey broth: Forms the base of the soup, bringing all the flavors together.

Poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Bay leaf: Imparts a subtle, earthy flavor; remember to remove it before serving.

Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors of the soup.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and complements the other spices.

Shell noodles: Make the soup more filling and add a delightful texture.

Parsley: Freshens up the soup with its bright, herby flavor right before serving.

One reader, Frasco Simons says:

This homemade turkey soup recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's a great way to use up leftover turkey. The addition of shell noodles makes it hearty and satisfying. Highly recommend for a cozy meal!

Frasco Simons

Key Techniques for Making Homemade Turkey Soup

How to cook onion in olive oil: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add chopped onion, and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. How to add flour and cook: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. How to simmer soup: After adding the carrots, celery, turkey, broth, poultry seasoning, bay leaf, and salt and pepper, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. How to cook noodles in soup: Add shell noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. How to discard bay leaf: Once the soup is done cooking, remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it. How to stir in parsley: Add chopped parsley to the soup and stir well to combine before serving.

How To Make Homemade Turkey Soup

Made with savory broth and shell noodles, turn your Thanksgiving leftover into a comforting bowl of turkey soup for a filling dish perfect for rainy days.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspolive oil
1onion,diced
1tbspflour
3large carrots,peeled and sliced
2stalks celery
3cupsleftover turkey,diced
8cupsturkey broth,homemade or store bought
½tsp*poultry seasoning,(see Recipe Notes for recipe)
1bay leaf
salt and pepper,to taste
4ozshell noodles,about 1½ cups
1tbspparsley,optional

Instructions

Cook onion in olive oil for about 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in carrots, celery, turkey, broth, poultry seasoning, bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 10 minutes.
Add noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat, discard bay leaf and stir in parsley.
Season to taste and serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*Check out the Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe to learn how to make the seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 342.30kcal
Fat: 11.09g
Saturated Fat: 2.64g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.28g
Carbohydrates: 32.77g
Fiber: 2.66g
Sugar: 8.25g
Protein: 26.87g
Cholesterol: 75.88mg
Sodium: 1127.69mg
Calcium: 55.86mg
Potassium: 744.90mg
Iron: 2.51mg
Vitamin A: 325.38µg
Vitamin C: 5.62mg

Crucial Technique for Enhancing Homemade Turkey Soup Flavor

When cooking the onion in olive oil, make sure to dice it finely and cook over medium heat to ensure it becomes tender and translucent without browning. This will help develop a sweet, mellow flavor that forms the base of your soup.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Homemade Turkey Soup

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop onion, carrots, and celery the night before to save time.

Use pre-cooked turkey: Utilize leftover turkey from a previous meal to cut down on cooking time.

Ready-made broth: Opt for store-bought turkey broth to skip the lengthy process of making it from scratch.

Quick-cooking noodles: Choose shell noodles that cook quickly to reduce overall cooking time.

One-pot method: Cook everything in a single pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the soup similarly without altering the flavor.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor and similar crunch.
leftover turkey - Substitute with chicken: Chicken has a similar texture and flavor profile.
turkey broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a similar base flavor.
poultry seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme provides a subtle earthy flavor that complements soups.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and a slightly different flavor.
shell noodles - Substitute with orzo: Orzo has a similar texture and cooks quickly in soup.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, bright flavor similar to parsley.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Turkey Soup

Serve in a deep, elegant bowl: Choose a pristine white bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the turkey soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh parsley on top to enhance the visual appeal and aroma.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Finish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Use a ladle for precise serving: Ensure each bowl gets an even distribution of turkey, carrots, celery, and noodles.
Include a side of artisan bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty artisan bread to complement the hearty soup.
Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper: Add a touch of freshly ground pepper just before serving for a final burst of flavor.
Present with a bay leaf: Place a single bay leaf on the side of the bowl as a subtle nod to the ingredients used.
Use a clean, minimalist table setting: Set the table with simple, elegant cutlery and a crisp white napkin to keep the focus on the soup.
Serve immediately: Ensure the soup is served hot to maintain its comforting warmth and optimal flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Turkey Soup

Olive oil: A healthy fat used to sauté the onion, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup when cooked.
Flour: Helps to thicken the soup slightly.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
Celery: Provides a subtle, savory flavor and crunch.
Turkey: The main protein, adding richness and heartiness to the soup.
Turkey broth: The base liquid for the soup, providing a deep, savory flavor.
Poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor of the turkey.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
Shell noodles: Adds a comforting, hearty element to the soup.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the soup.
Knife: Used for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery.
Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping vegetables.
Large pot: The main cooking vessel for the soup.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the soup as it cooks.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the olive oil, flour, and seasonings.
Measuring cups: For measuring the turkey broth and other ingredients.
Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
Strainer: Optional, for removing the bay leaf before serving.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Turkey Soup

To store leftover turkey soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days.
When storing the soup in the refrigerator, you can place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the soup to prevent a skin from forming.
For longer storage, freeze the homemade turkey soup in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Consider freezing the soup in individual portions for easy reheating later. You can use smaller containers or freeze the soup in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a larger freezer bag for storage.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer. Turkey soup can be frozen for up to 4-6 months.
To reheat frozen turkey soup, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Once thawed, reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Adjust the seasoning if needed and add a little water or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider undercooking the noodles slightly or cooking them separately and adding them to the soup when reheating. This prevents them from becoming mushy during the freezing and reheating process.

How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Soup

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover turkey soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without boiling, which can cause the vegetables and turkey to become overcooked and mushy.
Microwave method: pour the desired amount of leftover turkey soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover turkey soup to a slow cooker and heat it on the low setting for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat a large batch of soup without having to monitor it closely. It also allows the flavors to meld together and develop further.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover turkey soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating. This method is useful if you want to reheat a large quantity of soup and keep it warm for an extended period.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the turkey soup occasionally to promote even heating and prevent scorching. Also, ensure that the soup reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Interesting Trivia About Homemade Turkey Soup

A random fact about this homemade turkey soup recipe is that using leftover turkey not only reduces food waste but also enhances the flavor of the soup by incorporating the rich, roasted taste of the turkey.

Is Making Turkey Soup at Home Cost-Effective?

This homemade turkey soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing leftover turkey and turkey broth reduces waste and maximizes value. Common vegetables like carrots and celery are inexpensive, and pantry staples like onion, flour, and shell noodles keep costs low. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it an affordable and hearty meal option.

Is Homemade Turkey Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?

This homemade turkey soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome dish that offers several health benefits. The use of leftover turkey provides a good source of lean protein, while the vegetables, such as carrots and celery, add essential vitamins and minerals. The turkey broth is also a flavorful base that can help boost the immune system and promote overall well-being.

However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles instead of regular shell noodles to increase the fiber content and make the soup more suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Add more vegetables to the soup, such as diced zucchini, spinach, or kale, to increase the nutrient density and provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals.
Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or replace it with low-sodium alternatives like herbs and spices to help control sodium intake.
Use a low-fat or fat-free turkey broth to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the soup.
Include a source of healthy fats, such as sliced avocado or a drizzle of olive oil, to enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and promote feelings of satiety.

Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe

This homemade turkey soup recipe is a comforting and efficient way to utilize leftover turkey. The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful turkey broth, and perfectly cooked shell noodles creates a hearty and satisfying dish. The addition of poultry seasoning and bay leaf enhances the depth of flavor, while the parsley adds a fresh finish. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. Overall, it's a delightful and nourishing soup perfect for a cozy meal.

Enhance Your Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Garlic Bread: Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, perfectly toasted with a golden crust and a soft, buttery center. Infused with garlic and a sprinkle of parsley, this side dish is the ultimate companion to your hearty turkey soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Picture these vegetables caramelized to perfection, with a hint of balsamic glaze and a touch of sea salt. The crispy edges and tender insides make them a delightful contrast to the warm, comforting soup.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: Cranberry Walnut Salad: Envision a vibrant salad bursting with flavors and textures. Fresh greens, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette come together to create a refreshing side that complements the richness of the turkey soup.

Cheddar Biscuits: Cheddar Biscuits: Think of warm, flaky biscuits straight from the oven, with pockets of melted cheddar cheese and a hint of chives. These savory treats are perfect for dipping into your soup or enjoying on their own.

Apple Crisp: Apple Crisp: Imagine ending your meal with a comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with a crunchy oat topping. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is the perfect way to round out your turkey soup dinner.

Similar Soup Recipes to Try

Chicken Noodle Soup: Warm up with a classic chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This comforting dish features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor.

Vegetable Barley Soup: Dive into a bowl of vegetable barley soup for a nutritious and filling meal. This hearty soup is packed with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes, combined with chewy barley for a satisfying texture. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Beef and Vegetable Stew: Indulge in a rich and flavorful beef and vegetable stew. This dish features tender chunks of beef simmered with an array of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and peas. The slow-cooked broth melds all the flavors together for a comforting meal.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup: Savor the smooth and velvety texture of creamy potato leek soup. This elegant soup combines the mild sweetness of leeks with the creamy richness of potatoes. A touch of cream and a sprinkle of chives elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Minestrone Soup: Enjoy a hearty and healthy minestrone soup, brimming with a medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta. This Italian classic is perfect for using up seasonal produce and is packed with flavor from a rich tomato broth. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Homemade Turkey Soup

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Transform your meal with these delightful stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, firm mushrooms and remove the stems. Sauté finely chopped mushroom stems with onions and garlic until fragrant. Mix in breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a hint of poultry seasoning for a savory filling. Stuff the mushroom caps generously and bake until golden brown. The result is a mouthwatering appetizer that pairs perfectly with your homemade turkey soup.

Bruschetta: Add a touch of Italian flair to your meal with bruschetta. Begin with slices of crusty baguette, toasted to perfection. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic for an extra burst of flavor. Top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This vibrant and refreshing appetizer is a perfect complement to the rich flavors of your turkey soup.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth. This rich and creamy delight is perfect for those who crave a luxurious dessert experience. The smooth texture of the mousse pairs beautifully with a hint of vanilla and a touch of espresso, creating a symphony of flavors. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Serve in individual cups for a sophisticated presentation that will impress your guests.

Apple Crisp: Savor the comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp. This dessert combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. The warm, gooey filling contrasts perfectly with the crisp topping, creating a delightful texture in every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. This timeless treat is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion.

Why trust this Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe:

This homemade turkey soup recipe is a comforting and nutritious way to use up leftover turkey. With simple ingredients like carrots, celery, and onion, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The addition of poultry seasoning and a bay leaf enhances the taste, while shell noodles make it hearty. Trust this recipe for its balance of wholesome ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

Share your thoughts on the Homemade Turkey Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a bit more flour when cooking the onions or let the soup simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute leftover chicken for the turkey in this recipe. The flavors will still be delicious.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for up to 3 months.

What can I use if I don't have turkey broth?

If you don't have turkey broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth will work just fine. You might need to adjust the seasoning a bit to taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.