Looking for a comforting dish that warms the heart? This turkey soup is just what you need. Packed with tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or to make use of leftover turkey. This delightful recipe will guide you through the steps to create a bowl of warmth and flavor that your family will love.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 cup onions, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup green peas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately 270 calories, 24g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. This is based on a standard serving size for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add shredded turkey to the pot and mix well.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Stir in the green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting turkey soup!
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute the turkey with chicken or even a vegetarian option like tofu. Additionally, feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as adding corn or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
This turkey soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over a bed of rice. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip the sautéing step; it enhances the flavors.
- Be careful with salt; adjust after tasting.
- Use good quality broth for the best flavor.
- Don’t let it boil too hard; a gentle simmer is best.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving; flavors meld.
Helpful Tips
- Use leftover turkey for a quicker option.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- For a creamier soup, stir in a bit of cream before serving.
FAQs
Can I use raw turkey for this soup?
Yes, you can use raw turkey. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly before adding the vegetables and broth, increasing the cooking time accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this turkey soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How long does turkey soup last in the fridge?
Turkey soup can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add noodles to the turkey soup?
Absolutely! Adding noodles can make the soup heartier. Just cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid them becoming mushy.
What can I do with leftover turkey soup?
Leftover turkey soup can be frozen for later use. Just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers for freezing.
Conclusion
Turkey soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re using leftovers or making it from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for warming up any day of the week.
Turkey Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup onions chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup green peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add shredded turkey to the pot and mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting turkey soup!
Nutrition
