Name: Hearty Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe - Quick & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 4 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 6 cups turkey or chicken broth; 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 1/2 pound baby potatoes, halved; 1/2 cup wild rice blend; 1 cup half & half; 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 1/2 cup corn

Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is your ticket to transforming that post-holiday bird into something utterly comforting and delicious. We all know the feeling: the Thanksgiving or Christmas feast is over, but a mountain of delicious turkey remains. Instead of letting it languish in the fridge, let’s give it a vibrant new life with this incredibly simple and satisfying soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, bursting with the savory essence of your roasted turkey, softened vegetables, and a broth that warms you from the inside out. What makes this Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe so special is its adaptability. It’s a forgiving base, allowing you to toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand, and its flavor profile is universally loved. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly evening, a quick weeknight meal, or simply a delightful way to savor those festive flavors a little longer.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
4 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups turkey or chicken broth (vegetable broth can also be used if preferred)
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 pound baby potatoes, halved (any small waxy potato like Yukon Gold or red potatoes will work well)
1/2 cup wild rice blend
1 cup half & half (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
4 cups cooked turkey, shredded (this is where the leftovers shine!)
1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained, works perfectly)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparing the Soup Base

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics and Vegetables

Let’s get started by building a flavorful foundation for our soup. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and chopped celery. We want to sauté these vegetables until they begin extract to soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent any sticking. This initial sautéing process is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor profile that will permeate the entire soup.

Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot. Cook them with the onions and celery for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This step not only adds a wonderful earthy depth but also helps to concentrate their flavor. Now, toss in the crushed garlic clove and the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds to a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.

Step 2: Creating the Roux and Adding Broth

Now it’s time to thicken our soup. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables in the pot. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and form a paste with the butter, oil, and vegetable drippings. This mixture is called a roux, and it’s our secret weapon for achieving a wonderfully creamy and hearty texture without resorting to heavy cream alone. Cooking the flour for this short period helps to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in the 6 cups of turkey or chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This slow addition of broth will prevent lumps from forming in your roux. Once all the broth has been added and whisked smooth, bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. This is the base of our delicious leftover turkey soup, and it’s already smelling fantastic!

Simmering and Adding Ingredients

Step 3: Incorporating the Hearty Vegetables and Rice

With our flavorful broth base simmering gently, it’s time to add the remaining hearty ingredients that will make this soup a complete and satisfying meal. Add the sliced carrots and the halved baby potatoes to the pot. These vegetables will need some time to become tender, so we’ll let them simmer in the broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are submerged in the liquid.

Now, add the 1/2 cup of wild rice blend. Wild rice takes a bit longer to cook than white rice and adds a wonderful nutty texture and visual appeal to the soup. Give it a good stir to distribute it evenly throughout the pot. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are fork-tender and the wild rice is cooked through and has plumped up nicely. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Adding the Turkey, Corn, and Creaminess

Once the vegetables and rice are cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring in the star of our leftover turkey soup: the cooked, shredded turkey! Add the 4 cups of shredded cooked turkey to the pot. Stir it in and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. The turkey will absorb some of the wonderful flavors from the broth and vegetables.

Next, add the 1/2 cup of corn. Frozen corn will thaw and cook quickly in the hot soup, while canned corn just needs to be heated through. Stir the corn into the soup. Now, for that irresistible creamy finish, slowly pour in the 1 cup of half & half. Stir gently to combine, and allow the soup to heat through for another few minutes. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the half & half, as this can cause it to separate. We’re just looking for it to become wonderfully warm and luxurious.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving Suggestions

Taste your soup! This is the most important step to ensure it’s perfect. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that the broth likely has some salt, so start with a little and add more as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if you like. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

Once seasoned to your liking, your Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is ready to be served. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. It’s wonderful on its own, but I love to serve it with crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over the top adds a lovely touch of freshness and color. Enjoy this comforting and delicious way to transform your leftover turkey into a brand-new meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your delightful and incredibly Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! We’ve transformed those Thanksgiving (or any post-roast) remnants into a comforting bowl of pure goodness. This recipe is designed to be forgiving and adaptable, making it a true weeknight savior. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the way it allows the rich flavors of your leftover turkey to shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

For serving, I love to ladle this hearty soup into bowls and top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. A crusty bread for dipping is an absolute must. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a dollop of sour cream or a shredded cheese blend can elevate it even further. Think about pairing it with a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

The beauty of the Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Carrots, celery, and onions are classic, but you could also add corn, peas, green beans, or even some diced potatoes for extra heartiness. For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

I truly hope you give this Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful way to reduce food waste and create something truly delicious and comforting. Happy cooking, and enjoy every last spoonful!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of making my own turkey stock?

Absolutely! While homemade turkey stock adds an extra layer of depth, good quality store-bought chicken or vegetable broth will work perfectly well for this Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe. Just ensure it’s low-sodium so you can control the saltiness of the final soup.

What other types of meat can I use if I don’t have leftover turkey?

This recipe is fantastic for using up any cooked poultry! You can easily substitute shredded leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked beef ham for the turkey. The core method for building flavor with the vegetables and broth remains the same.

How long can I store this soup in the refrigerator?

This Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together!