Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Soup Recipe
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a cozy, flavorful turkey soup everyone will love.
Why Turkey Soup Is the Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Solution
Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, and for many, it means preparing more food than anyone can possibly eat in one sitting. While some may see leftovers as a chore, others—like Naomi Seifter of Austin’s Picnik—see them as an opportunity. Naomi shares, “I always prepare way too much for my Thanksgiving spread, but it’s totally intentional. I find joy in utilizing my leftovers in repurposed recipes, so I make more food than I know our guests can eat.”
Among the many ways to use up leftover turkey, soup stands out as a favorite. Not only does it make use of both the meat and bones, but it also transforms a variety of vegetables into a comforting, nourishing meal. Plus, with the weather turning colder around Thanksgiving, there’s nothing better than cozying up to a bowl of warm soup.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Soup
This recipe is designed to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s also flexible enough to accommodate what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 lbs leftover turkey bones
- 2 lbs leftover turkey meat
- 4 quarts chicken bone broth
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 1/2 cup carrot, diced
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups green beans, chopped
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, small cubed
- 2 cups butternut squash, small cubed
- 1/3 cup fresh sage
- 1/3 cup currants
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp Himalayan sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 quart leftover mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious turkey soup that’s perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers:
- Make the Stock: Cover the turkey bones with chicken bone broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 2 hours on low to extract maximum flavor. (For a richer stock, you can simmer for up to 48 hours, but 2 hours is a great shortcut.)
- Remove the Bones: Once the stock is ready, remove the carcass and discard the bones. You’ll be left with a flavorful turkey stock.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add all the additional ingredients except the turkey meat, salt, and mashed potatoes. Turn the soup up to high, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover for 60-90 minutes until all vegetables are soft and delicious.
- Add Turkey Meat and Mashed Potatoes: Once the vegetables are soft, add the turkey meat and mashed potatoes. If you’re using chunky potatoes (similar to potato salad texture), puree them to smooth before adding to the soup. The mashed potatoes will add a delicious creaminess to the soup. Add salt to taste, adjusting based on the salt level in your potatoes.
Why This Turkey Soup Recipe Works
This turkey soup recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers—it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients and the joy of cooking. Here’s why it works so well:
- Flavorful Stock: Using turkey bones to make the stock ensures a rich, deep flavor that can’t be replicated with store-bought broth.
- Variety of Vegetables: The mix of cabbage, green beans, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash adds color, texture, and nutrition to the soup.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh sage and thyme bring aromatic notes that complement the turkey and vegetables perfectly.
- Creaminess from Mashed Potatoes: Adding mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash gives the soup a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or dairy.
- Flexibility: This recipe is easily adaptable. If you don’t have all the vegetables listed, feel free to substitute with what you have on hand.
Health Benefits of Turkey Soup
Beyond its delicious taste, turkey soup offers several health benefits:
- High in Protein: Turkey is a lean source of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Hydrating: The broth base helps keep you hydrated, which is especially important during the colder months.
- Supports Immunity: Ingredients like sage and thyme have natural antimicrobial properties that can help support your immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought turkey broth instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought turkey or chicken broth if you don’t have bones to make your own stock. However, making your own stock from the turkey bones will give the soup a richer, more authentic flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the turkey meat and bones, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables or legumes for extra protein and heartiness.
Q: How long can I store leftover turkey soup?
A: Leftover turkey soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use different herbs in this soup?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs. Rosemary, parsley, or even a bay leaf can add unique flavors to the soup.
Q: What can I serve with turkey soup?
A: Turkey soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Turkey Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will give your soup the best flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t Skip the Stock: Making your own stock from turkey bones is worth the extra time and effort for the depth of flavor it adds.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt and herbs to your preference.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to swap in or add other vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, peas, or corn.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making a big batch and enjoying it throughout the week.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring or repetitive. With this turkey soup recipe, you can transform your extra turkey and vegetables into a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for the colder months. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftovers or simply want a healthy, satisfying soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Table: Turkey Soup Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Turkey bones | Chicken bones or store-bought broth |
| Turkey meat | Chicken, ham, or vegetarian protein |
| Chicken bone broth | Vegetable broth or turkey broth |
| Mashed potatoes | Cauliflower mash or pureed beans |
| Sage | Rosemary, parsley, or thyme |
References
- https://camillestyles.com/food/recipes/turkey-soup/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/turkey-chili-verde/
- https://womenoftoday.com/one-pot-leftover-turkey-soup/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/healthy-soup-recipes/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/thanksgiving-potluck-ideas/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/best-soups-when-sick/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/recipes/soups/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g31929759/ground-turkey-recipes/
