Warm Up with Leftover Turkey Soup: Simple Recipes to Stretch Your Holiday Meals
After the festive feasts, there’s often a mountain of leftover turkey waiting to be transformed into something delicious. One of the best ways to utilize this bounty is by making comforting turkey soup. Not only does it warm you up, but it also helps stretch your holiday meals while delighting your taste buds. Here’s a collection of simple turkey soup recipes that are sure to satisfy your family!
1. Classic Turkey Soup
Starting with a classic turkey soup recipe is a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit while using up those leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups egg noodles
Directions:
In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add the shredded turkey, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. If you choose to add egg noodles, do so and cook until they’re tender.
2. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
This turkey and wild rice soup is hearty and nutritious, providing a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, diced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Sauté the onions and carrots in a large pot until soft. Add the uncooked wild rice, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in the shredded turkey and heat through.
3. Creamy Turkey Soup
For those who enjoy a rich and creamy texture, this soup is a delightful choice.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Once the potatoes are tender, mix the flour with the heavy cream and stir it into the pot. Finally, add the turkey and simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Spicy Turkey Soup
If you’re in the mood for something with a kick, this spicy turkey soup is perfect.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Directions:
Sauté the onion in a large pot, then add the diced tomatoes, turkey, broth, corn, and spices. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Turkey Noodle Soup
Nothing warms the soul like a comforting bowl of turkey noodle soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add the broth, turkey, and seasonings, then bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until they are tender.
6. Turkey Vegetable Soup
This turkey vegetable soup is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and green beans)
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Sauté the onion in a large pot, then add the broth, turkey, mixed vegetables, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Asian-Inspired Turkey Soup
Add an exciting twist to your turkey leftovers with this Asian-inspired soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic
Directions:
Sauté the mushrooms in a pot, then add the broth, turkey, bok choy, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. Turkey Tortilla Soup
This zesty turkey tortilla soup is an exciting way to enjoy your holiday leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
In a pot, sauté the onion, then add broth, tomatoes, turkey, and cumin. Bring to a boil and serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges for an added zing.
9. Turkey Chili
Transform your turkey leftovers into a hearty and satisfying chili that’s perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a pot, sauté the onion, then add the kidney beans, tomatoes, turkey, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
10. Turkey and Quinoa Soup
Quinoa adds a healthy and hearty element to this nutritious turkey soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Sauté the onion and carrots in a pot. Add broth, quinoa, turkey, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
Leftover turkey soup is a fantastic way to make the most of your holiday meals while providing warmth and comfort during the colder months. These simple recipes are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various flavors and ingredients. So, next time you have turkey leftovers, don’t let them go to waste—create a delicious soup that your family will love!
