This soup is a delicious and heartwarming way to use up your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. Taking advantage of the turkey carcass, we create a flavorful stock, which forms the base of the soup. The remaining turkey meat is then added, along with fresh vegetables and herbs, to complete the dish. This is a comforting, nutritious, and economical recipe that will help you get the most out of your holiday bird.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples that you likely already have at home. However, there are a few fresh herbs such as fresh tarragon and parsley that you may need to purchase. If you cannot find fresh tarragon, you can substitute it with dried tarragon. The dry white wine used in this recipe is also something you might not typically have at hand; it is used to deglaze the pot and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Turkey Leftovers Soup
Olive oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the vegetables.
Carrots: Adds a hint of sweetness and is a great source of vitamins.
Onion: Provides a savory depth and is essential in most soup recipes.
Celery: Gives a fresh flavor and a nice crunchy texture.
Dry white wine: Used to deglaze the pot and gives a depth of flavor.
Turkey carcass: Used to make the soup stock; don't waste those leftovers!
Chicken stock: Enhances the flavor of the soup.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle bitterness and is a common ingredient in soup stocks.
Parsley: A fresh herb that adds brightness to the soup.
Thyme: A herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Roast turkey: The star of the show; adds protein and makes the soup hearty.
Tarragon: A herb with a slight anise flavor; it complements the poultry wonderfully.
One reader, Cos Lambert says:
This turkey leftovers soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and it's a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey. The aroma alone is mouthwatering, and the soup is so hearty and satisfying. It's become a family favorite in our household!
Techniques Required for Making Turkey Leftovers Soup
How to prepare the vegetables: Chop the carrots, onion, and celery into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors into the soup.
How to make a bouquet garni: Tie together the parsley and thyme using kitchen twine or place them in a cheesecloth to create a bundle that can be easily removed from the soup after cooking, leaving behind the infused flavors.
How to skim the fat: Use a ladle or spoon to carefully remove any fat that rises to the surface of the soup during cooking, ensuring a clearer and more flavorful broth.
How to strain the soup: Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles, resulting in a smooth and clear broth.
How to garnish with tarragon: Sprinkle the fresh tarragon over the soup just before serving to add a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
How To Make Turkey Leftovers Soup
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and for sure there will be leftovers. Turn the extra turkey dish into this rich and flavorful leftovers soup. Try it!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspolive oil
- 2carrotspeeled and chopped
- 1onionchopped
- 1stalkcelerychopped
- ½cupdry white wine
- 1turkey carcass
- 4cupschicken stock
- 4cupswater
- 1bayleaf
- 1cupfresh parsley
- 1cupthyme
- 2cupsleftover roast turkeypulled into bite-sized pieces
- 1carrotfinely diced
- 2tbsp.fresh tarragonchopped
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir 2 chopped carrots, onion, and celery until onion is golden for about 7 to 10 minutes.
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Pour in wine and bring to a simmer. Add turkey carcass, chicken stock, water, bay leaf, and bouquet garni; bring mixture to a boil.
-
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for about 1 hour. Skim any fat that comes to the surface and discard.
-
Remove turkey carcass and strain soup into a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in leftover turkey and diced carrot; simmer until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh tarragon.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1046.54kcal
- Fat: 40.12g
- Saturated Fat: 10.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.42g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.32g
- Carbohydrates: 11.27g
- Fiber: 1.97g
- Sugar: 4.35g
- Protein: 149.39g
- Cholesterol: 491.93mg
- Sodium: 938.86mg
- Calcium: 132.84mg
- Potassium: 1819.72mg
- Iron: 7.70mg
- Vitamin A: 348.34µg
- Vitamin C: 20.91mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Turkey Leftovers Soup
When preparing your turkey leftovers soup, it's important to remember that the flavor of the soup largely depends on the quality of your chicken stock. Homemade stock is always the best option as it gives a richer, more authentic flavor. However, if you're using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the saltiness of your soup. Additionally, don't rush the simmering process. This is when the flavors from the turkey carcass, vegetables, and herbs meld together. The longer you allow it to simmer, the more flavorful your soup will be.
Time-Saving Tips for Turkey Leftovers Soup
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and herbs in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-made stock: Utilize store-bought chicken stock to cut down on preparation time.
One-pot cooking: Opt for a single large stockpot to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Utilize leftovers: Repurpose leftover turkey from a previous meal to reduce cooking time and minimize waste.
Quick simmer: Increase the heat to reduce the simmering time and expedite the soup preparation.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop vegetables and herbs for the soup.
Multi-task: While the soup simmers, use the time to clean and prep other ingredients for the next steps.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all ingredients and utensils in an orderly manner to facilitate a smooth cooking process.
Prep station: Set up a dedicated workspace with all necessary ingredients and tools to enhance efficiency.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets such as a pressure cooker or slow cooker to expedite the soup-making process.
Substitute Ingredients For Turkey Leftovers Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor than carrots, adding a unique twist to the soup while still providing the desired texture.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the soup.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Using broth instead of wine will still add depth of flavor to the soup without the alcohol content.
turkey carcass - Substitute with chicken carcass: A chicken carcass can be used to make a flavorful stock, providing a similar base for the soup.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a lighter alternative, while still imparting savory notes to the soup.
water - Substitute with additional chicken stock: Using more chicken stock instead of water will further enhance the richness and depth of flavor in the soup.
bay leaf - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can add a similar earthy and herbal note to the soup, enhancing its aroma and taste.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and vibrant flavor, adding a unique twist to the soup.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary offers a similar earthy and aromatic flavor, complementing the other herbs and ingredients in the soup.
leftover roast turkey - Substitute with chicken leftovers: Using leftover chicken will yield a similar result, maintaining the heartiness of the soup.
carrot - Substitute with turnip: Turnips can provide a slightly peppery and sweet flavor, adding a different dimension to the soup.
fresh tarragon - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can offer a similar herbaceous flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Presentation Tips for Turkey Leftovers Soup
Elevate the broth: Create a rich and flavorful broth by using the turkey carcass and a combination of fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme. This will add depth and complexity to the soup.
Garnish with fresh tarragon: Sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped tarragon to add a pop of color and a hint of licorice-like flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.
Serve in elegant bowls: Choose elegant bowls to serve the soup, ensuring that the presentation is as impressive as the flavors. The bowls should complement the sophistication of the dish.
Artful placement of turkey: Arrange the leftover roast turkey in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each piece is strategically placed to showcase the star ingredient.
Use a fine strainer: When straining the soup, use a fine strainer to ensure a smooth and refined texture, adding a touch of finesse to the final presentation.
Drizzle with olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the soup to add a glossy finish and a hint of fruity flavor, elevating the overall visual appeal and taste.
Essential Tools for Making Turkey Leftovers Soup
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Stockpot: A large pot used for making soups, stocks, and stews.
- Strainer: A kitchen tool used to separate liquids from solids.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Skimmer: A utensil with a perforated surface used for removing foam or impurities from the surface of liquids.
- Cutting shears: Scissors used for cutting herbs, twine, and other kitchen tasks.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Soup ladle: A large spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
Storing and Freezing Turkey Leftovers Soup
Allow the turkey soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure the soup maintains its quality.
Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
If storing in the refrigerator, consume the leftover turkey soup within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
When freezing, leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. Turkey soup can be frozen for up to 4-6 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw it quickly, place the container or bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the soup is thawed.
Transfer the thawed soup to a pot and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
If the soup appears too thick after thawing, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
Avoid reheating the soup multiple times, as this can affect its quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume immediately.
How To Reheat Turkey Soup Leftovers
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 prevent the soup from 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. Cover the bowl 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 on low for 2-3 hours or until the soup is heated through. This method is ideal 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 a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent hot spots. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Random Fact About Turkey Leftovers Soup
The turkey leftovers soup recipe is a great way to use up leftover roast turkey and create a delicious and hearty meal. It's a perfect way to make the most of your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers. This recipe is a wonderful example of how to create a flavorful and comforting soup using simple ingredients and the turkey carcass. It's a great way to minimize food waste and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that allows for customization based on personal preferences and available ingredients.
Is Making Turkey Leftovers Soup Economical for Home Cooking?
This turkey leftovers soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Utilizing the leftover turkey carcass and meat ensures minimal waste, making it a budget-friendly option. The addition of vegetables and herbs provides essential nutrients and flavors without the need for expensive ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Is Turkey Leftovers Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This turkey leftovers soup recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it incorporates a variety of nutritious ingredients such as carrots, onions, celery, and fresh herbs. The use of leftover turkey is a great way to reduce food waste and make use of the lean protein. Additionally, the recipe relies on a homemade broth made from the turkey carcass, which can be a good source of minerals and collagen.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to enhance its nutritional value:
- Increase the amount and variety of vegetables to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content
- Use whole grain pasta or rice instead of refined carbohydrates to improve the fiber content and overall nutrient profile
- Reduce the amount of added salt and instead rely on herbs and spices for flavor
- Incorporate more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to increase the vitamin and antioxidant content
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a can of low-sodium white beans or chickpeas to increase the protein and fiber content
- Include additional vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrient density
- Use a mixture of half chicken stock and half low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content while maintaining flavor
- Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness and vitamin C
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded, nutrient-packed meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Turkey Leftovers Soup Recipe
This turkey leftovers soup recipe is a delightful way to make use of Thanksgiving leftovers. The combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and turkey carcass creates a rich and flavorful broth. The addition of white wine adds depth to the soup, while the fresh tarragon provides a bright and herbaceous note. The use of leftover roast turkey adds heartiness to the soup, making it a satisfying and comforting dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to transform leftover turkey into a delicious and nourishing meal.
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Why trust this Turkey Leftovers Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful way to repurpose turkey leftovers into a hearty and flavorful soup. With a rich blend of fresh herbs and a splash of dry white wine, it promises to elevate your dining experience. The use of turkey carcass and chicken stock ensures a robust and comforting base, while the addition of tarragon adds a touch of sophistication. Trust in the combination of traditional cooking methods and wholesome ingredients to deliver a soup that's both satisfying and nourishing. Embrace this recipe as a delicious solution for utilizing your leftover roast turkey in a truly satisfying way.
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