25-Minutes Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe – Medley Of Flavors

Savor the flavors of your festive feast long after the table has cleared with this heart-warming Leftover Turkey Soup recipe. Dive into bowls of nostalgia, where each spoonful unveils the tender richness of turkey, simmered to perfection, giving your meal a second encore. 

Discover the melody of garden-fresh vegetables, singing in harmony with aromatic herbs, bringing vitality to every bite. No holiday bird goes to waste in this eco-friendly culinary symphony, teaching you to cherish all and waste none. Reward your tastebuds and savor the memories of family gatherings with this reinvention of the traditional roast. 

Dive into this blog post to explore this hearty, comforting recipe and make every post-holiday meal a memorable encore. Let’s transform your leftovers into a soup that tastes like a grand feast, proving that the best meals can come from what’s left behind. 

Welcome to the culinary journey of treasuring leftovers – a symphony of flavor, nutrition, and sustainable gastronomy.

What Is Leftover Turkey Soup ?

The Leftover Turkey Soup recipe is a delightful way to utilize surplus holiday turkey. You begin by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots until softened. Then, adding minced garlic and fragrant herbs like thyme and sage add layers of flavor. 

Into this aromatic mix, turkey broth and chopped turkey are added and left to simmer until well combined. Towards the end, small pasta and fresh parsley are stirred, resulting in a hearty, comforting soup packed with protein and vegetables.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

The Leftover Turkey Soup recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:

• Keto: Replace the traditional pasta or rice with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Ensure your broth is low-carb and free from sugars or starches.
• Paleo: Stick to whole, unprocessed ingredients. Replace pasta or grains with extra veggies or sweet potatoes.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your broth is gluten-free, and substitute pasta or barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.
• Whole30: Replace grains with extra veggies or Whole30-compliant ingredients. Make sure your broth is free from added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.
• Vegetarian: Swap the turkey and turkey broth with a hearty mix of seasonal veggies and vegetable broth. You might add beans or lentils for additional protein.
• Vegan: Besides the vegetarian suggestions, replace any dairy with plant-based alternatives. Again, beans or lentils can add protein and fill the soup.

Recipe Directions

• Heat oil in a soup maker or saucepan until it shimmers invitingly.
• Add a medley of finely chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced leek, and diced carrot, infusing the air with their delightful aromas, and sauté them together for approximately 5 minutes until they turn tender and fragrant.
• Transfer the beautifully sautéed ingredients into the soup maker, if using one, ready to embrace more flavors.
• Now, it’s time to unleash a symphony of tastes by adding the remaining ingredients, carefully adhering to the soup maker’s MAX line to ensure a perfect blend.
• If the mixture appears a little thick or concentrated, kindly grace it with some hot water, making sure not to surpass the soup maker’s MIN line, maintaining a harmonious balance.
• With all the ingredients harmoniously mingled, take a moment to select a chunky setting on the soup maker, preparing it to work its culinary wonders.
• Envelop the soup maker with a snug-fitting lid, allowing the ingredients to gracefully dance together, simmering to perfection.
• Once the soup has reached its pinnacle of flavor, serve it piping hot, enchanting your guests with its tantalizing taste.
• For an extra touch of gourmet finesse, offer an array of optional garnishes, allowing each diner to customize their bowl to their heart’s content.
• Savor the joy of sharing this delightful and nourishing soup, a masterpiece of culinary art, perfect for any occasion and sure to leave a lasting impression.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

• Variations: For an Asian flair, add ginger, soy sauce, and swap pasta for rice noodles. For a Mexican twist, include cumin, corn, and black beans, serving with a lime wedge.
• Add-ons: Boost the nutrition by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale. Cooked barley or quinoa can provide a hearty touch.
• Toppings: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill for added freshness. Grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can offer a rich finish.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce for some heat.
• Bread on the Side: Serve with a slice of rustic bread or a warm bread roll to soak up the broth.

Can I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can adapt the Leftover Turkey Soup recipe for both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot:

Slow Cooker

• After sautéing your onions, garlic, leek, and carrot in a pan, transfer them to your slow cooker. Add the rest of your ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you add pasta or rice, do so in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Instant Pot

• Use the sauté function to directly cook your onions, garlic, leek, and carrot in the Instant Pot. Then, add the rest of your ingredients, secure the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Select the soup setting and adjust the time according to your recipe. Once done, allow for natural pressure release before opening the lid.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broth can be used in the Leftover Turkey Soup recipe, each offering advantages.

Store-Bought Broth

• It is a convenient option, especially when you’re short on time. Choose a low-sodium, high-quality broth to ensure good flavor and healthier content. Always check the ingredients for any potential allergens or additives you wish to avoid.

Homemade Broth

• Making your broth allows for control over the ingredients and flavors. If you have leftover turkey bones from your meal, you can simmer them with vegetables and herbs to create a flavorful and nutritious broth. It’s more time-consuming but can be made in bulk and frozen later.

How To Serve?

Serving the Leftover Turkey Soup in a tasty manner can heighten the dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Bread: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette to dip into the broth. A fresh bread roll can also provide a comforting touch.
• Garnish: Sprinkle on fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a pop of color. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors, and a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can add a creaminess.
• Salad: Pair the soup with a light, fresh salad to add crunch and variety.
• In a Bread Bowl: For a hearty, rustic serving option, scoop out the center of a round loaf of bread and pour the soup directly inside.
• Serving Dish: Serve the soup in a deep bowl to keep it hot for longer and highlight its delicious colors and textures.
• Temperature: Ensure the soup is served hot. You can reheat individual portions before serving to ensure the perfect temperature.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls can be perfect for dipping into the flavorful soup.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair your soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, indulgent meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, can add some variety in texture and flavor.
• Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: A side of quinoa or rice pilaf can complement the soup, especially if the soup is light on grains.
• Cornbread: A slice of sweet, moist cornbread can be a delightful companion to the savory soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make ahead: Prepare the turkey broth ahead of time by simmering the leftover turkey bones with aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery. Strain and store the broth separately.
• Store ingredients separately: Keep the cooked turkey meat, chopped vegetables, and any pasta or rice separate from the broth to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Freeze in portions: Portion out the soup into individual servings or family-sized portions before freezing for easy reheating and serving.
• Label containers: Clearly label each container with the date and contents for easy identification when reheating.
• Use airtight containers: Store the soup in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftover Turkey Soup offers a versatile base for creating new dishes:

• Turkey Noodle Casserole: Mix leftover soup with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
• Turkey Pot Pie: Use the soup as a filling for a comforting pot pie. Just top with a pie crust and bake.
• Turkey and Rice Skillet: Reduce the soup until thickened, mix with cooked rice and veggies, and cook in a skillet for a quick stir-fry.
• Turkey Quesadillas: Shred the turkey and vegetables from the soup, mixed with cheese, and used as a filling for quesadillas.
• Turkey Pasta Sauce: Thicken the soup and toss with cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Use the soup as a base for a shepherd’s pie, topped with mashed potatoes, and then baked.

Nutrition Table