Name: Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Broth:; 1 turkey carcass; 1 onion; 2 carrots; 3 stalks celery; 1 tbsp black peppercorns; 3 sprigs parsley; 3 sprigs thyme; 5 cloves garlic; 1 bay leaf; 2 tsp salt; For the soup:; 2 tbsp butter; 1 onion; 1 cup carrots; ¾ cup celery; 2 tsp garlic; 4 cups Turkey; 1½ tsp Italian Seasoning; 8 cups turkey broth; 8 oz Egg Noodles; salt and pepper; 2 tbsp parsley

Immerse yourself into this comforting heartwarming turkey soup, a treasure of flavor. It's a perfect way to repurpose your leftover turkey into a wholesome meal. This traditional soup, with a blend of turkey, vegetables, herbs, and noodles, is a bowl full of warmth and comfort that can be enjoyed on cold winter days.

Photos of Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe

The key ingredient in this recipe is the turkey carcass, which forms the base of our soup with its rich broth. This item might not be a regular in your kitchen, but it's easily available in most supermarkets, especially during the holiday season. Don't forget to look for egg noodles as well; these flat, ribbon-like pasta bring a comforting texture to the soup.

Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe Ingredients

Turkey carcass: The base of our soup, providing a rich, flavorful broth.

Onion: Adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the soup.

Carrots: Provides color, sweetness and essential vitamins.

Celery: Adds a crisp texture and aromatic flavor.

Black peppercorns: Adds heat and depth of flavor to the broth.

Parsley: Adds a fresh and slightly peppery flavor.

Thyme: Adds a subtle, dry aroma and a slightly minty flavor.

Garlic: Gives a robust, pungent flavor.

Bay leaf: Provides a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.

Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness to the soup.

Turkey: The star ingredient, providing protein and substance.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.

Egg noodles: Brings a comforting texture to the soup.

One reader, Kimmie Ochoa says:

This heartwarming turkey soup recipe is a game-changer! The broth is rich and flavorful, and the combination of turkey and veggies creates a comforting and satisfying meal. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. I highly recommend trying it out!

Kimmie Ochoa

Techniques Required for Making Heartwarming Turkey Soup

How to make turkey broth: Simmer the turkey carcass, onion, carrots, celery, black peppercorns, parsley, thyme, garlic, bay leaf, and salt in a large pot with at least 10 cups of cold water for 3 to 4 hours, skimming the surface occasionally. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a container.

How to make turkey soup: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until just softened. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add turkey, Italian seasoning, and turkey broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the veggies are tender. Add the noodles and cook for another 10 minutes until softened. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

How To Make Heartwarming Turkey Soup

This homemade turkey soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, egg noodles, and diced turkey. A classic comfort food to make any time.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 hours

Total: 5 hours 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the Broth:

1turkey carcass
1onion,peeled and quartered
2carrots,peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces
3stalkscelery,with leaves, cut into 3 inch pieces
1tbspblack peppercorns
3sprigsparsley,fresh
3sprigsthyme,fresh or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
5clovesgarlic
1bay leaf
2tspsalt

For the Soup:

2tbspbutter
1onion,medium, diced
1cupcarrots,peeled and sliced
¾cupcelery,thinly sliced
2tspgarlic
4cupsturkey,cooked diced
1½tspItalian seasoning
8cupsturkey broth
8ozegg noodles,uncooked
salt and pepper,to taste
2tbspparsley,chopped

Instructions

Broth:

Place the broth ingredients in a large pot. Cover with cold water (at least 10 cups).
Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, skimming the surface occasionally.
Pour the broth through a fine sieve into a container.

Soup:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrot and celery and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until just softened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the turkey, Italian seasoning and broth to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until veggies are tender.
Add the noodles. Cook for another 10 minutes or until noodles are softened.
Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1260.20kcal
Fat: 46.57g
Saturated Fat: 13.19g
Trans Fat: 0.56g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.31g
Carbohydrates: 40.12g
Fiber: 4.08g
Sugar: 7.98g
Protein: 162.05g
Cholesterol: 539.23mg
Sodium: 2471.29mg
Calcium: 155.43mg
Potassium: 2166.70mg
Iron: 8.82mg
Vitamin A: 419.69µg
Vitamin C: 9.85mg

Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Turkey Soup

When making your turkey broth, it's important to remember that slow and steady wins the race. A gentle simmer, rather than a rolling boil, will extract the most flavor from your turkey carcass and vegetables. Also, skimming the surface occasionally helps to remove any impurities and fat, resulting in a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth. For an even more robust flavor, consider roasting the carcass and vegetables before simmering them. This caramelizes the sugars in the bones and vegetables, adding depth to your broth.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Turkey Soup

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and herbs in advance to save time during the cooking process.

Use pre-made broth: Instead of making the broth from scratch, you can use store-bought turkey broth to save time.

Multi-task: While the broth is simmering, prep the vegetables and other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Invest in a pressure cooker: Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time for the turkey soup.

Leftover turkey: Utilize leftover turkey from a previous meal to save time on cooking the turkey for the soup.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time on searching for ingredients and utensils.

Quick-cooking noodles: Use quick-cooking noodles to reduce the overall cooking time for the soup.

Substitute Ingredients For Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe

turkey carcass - Substitute with chicken carcass: Chicken carcass can be used as a substitute for turkey carcass to make a rich and flavorful broth. The bones and meat from the chicken carcass will impart a similar depth of flavor to the soup.
turkey - Substitute with chicken: Chicken can be used as a substitute for turkey in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and flavor to the soup, making it a suitable alternative for those who prefer chicken over turkey.
turkey broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for turkey broth. It will provide a savory base for the soup and enhance the overall flavor, while still maintaining the heartwarming quality of the dish.
egg noodles - Substitute with pasta shells: Pasta shells can be used as a substitute for egg noodles in this recipe. They will add a different texture and shape to the soup while still providing a satisfying and hearty element to the dish.

Best Way to Present This Heartwarming Turkey Soup

Elevate the broth: Strain the turkey broth through a fine sieve to ensure a clear and refined base for the soup.
Artful arrangement of ingredients: Carefully place the tender turkey pieces and colorful vegetables in the bowl, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve in elegant bowls: Choose sophisticated, high-quality bowls to present the soup, enhancing the dining experience for the esteemed guests.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation, reflecting the highest standards of culinary expertise.
Accompany with artisan bread: Serve the soup with freshly baked, crusty bread on the side, adding a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the dish.
Use fine dining cutlery: Select polished and refined cutlery to complement the presentation, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience.
Incorporate a touch of luxury: Consider adding a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of edible gold flakes to add a luxurious touch to the soup.

Essential Tools for Making Turkey Soup

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
Stockpot: A large, deep pot used for making the broth and soup.
Fine sieve: A fine mesh strainer used for straining the broth to remove solids.
Large pot: Used for cooking the soup and noodles.
Skimmer: A utensil used for skimming impurities from the surface of the broth.
Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring small amounts of salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Measuring cups: Used for accurately measuring larger amounts of broth, vegetables, and noodles.
Wooden spoon: A versatile tool used for stirring and mixing ingredients in the pot.
Saucepan: Used for melting butter and sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade Turkey Soup

Let the turkey soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure the best quality.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification later.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the noodles to become mushy.
If the soup appears too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
For best quality, consume the frozen soup within 3 months. While it will remain safe to eat beyond this time, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.

How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Soup

The best way to reheat leftover turkey soup is to place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures that the vegetables and noodles don't become overcooked and mushy.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Place the desired amount of soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is hot.
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup while reheating. This will give the broth a richer flavor and a velvety smooth consistency.
If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid and the soup has become thick, you can thin it out by adding a little chicken broth or water while reheating. This will help restore the soup to its original consistency.
To add some extra flavor to your leftover soup, try garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.

Random Fact About Heartwarming Turkey Soup

The heartwarming turkey soup recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed during the colder months. It's a great way to use up leftover turkey and create a delicious and hearty meal for the whole family. This soup is packed with essential nutrients and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in. Plus, it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoying a warm bowl of turkey soup can bring comfort and satisfaction, making it a wonderful addition to your recipe collection.

Is Making Turkey Soup at Home Economical?

This heartwarming turkey soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of the entire turkey carcass for the broth maximizes value, while the addition of vegetables and noodles stretches the dish to feed a family of four. The estimated cost for this recipe is approximately $15, making it an economical and nutritious option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, heartiness, and ability to provide multiple servings, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious households.

Is This Turkey Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This turkey soup recipe is a nutritious and comforting dish that offers several health benefits. The broth, made from turkey carcass, vegetables, and herbs, is rich in nutrients and minerals that support overall well-being. Turkey itself is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair. The vegetables in the soup, such as onions, carrots, and celery, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of butter used in the soup to lower the saturated fat content. Consider using olive oil instead, which is a healthier alternative rich in monounsaturated fats.
Increase the variety of vegetables in the soup to boost its nutrient profile. Add leafy greens like spinach or kale, which are high in vitamins A, C, and K, or include other nutrient-dense vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Opt for whole grain egg noodles instead of regular ones to increase the fiber content of the soup, promoting better digestion and keeping you feeling full for longer.
Use low-sodium broth or adjust the salt content to suit your preferences and dietary needs, especially if you are watching your sodium intake.
Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the soup's flavor and provide a boost of vitamin C.

Editor's Thoughts on This Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe

This heartwarming turkey soup recipe is a comforting and nourishing dish that makes the most of every part of the turkey. The rich and flavorful broth, made from simmering the turkey carcass with aromatic vegetables and herbs, forms the perfect base for the soup. The addition of tender turkey meat, hearty vegetables, and delicate egg noodles creates a wholesome and satisfying meal. The balance of flavors and textures in this soup is sure to warm the heart and soul, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Enhance Your Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the heartwarming turkey soup.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to complement the savory turkey soup.

Cranberry Orange Salad: A refreshing and tangy salad with cranberries and oranges, providing a burst of citrus flavor to balance the richness of the turkey soup.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Heartwarming Turkey Soup

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes in a rich and flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe is bursting with bright and tangy flavors. The tender chicken is cooked in a savory lemon sauce, and it's perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a chilly day. It's made with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of cream for a rich and velvety texture. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comforting meal.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With Heartwarming Turkey Soup

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy zucchini fritters are a delightful way to start your meal. The combination of shredded zucchini, herbs, and a hint of parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Cake: Indulge in a rich and moist chocolate cake, layered with creamy frosting and topped with chocolate shavings for an irresistible treat.

Velvety Cheesecake: Savor a smooth and creamy cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious fruit compote for a delightful dessert experience.

Why trust this Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe:

This heartwarming turkey soup recipe is a comforting and nourishing dish that will warm your soul. The homemade turkey broth is simmered to perfection, infusing the soup with rich, savory flavors. Using the turkey carcass ensures that no part of the bird goes to waste, adding depth and complexity to the broth. The addition of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a wholesome and hearty soup that is perfect for chilly days. Trust in the traditional techniques and wholesome ingredients to deliver a soup that will bring comfort and satisfaction to your table.

Share your thoughts on this heartwarming turkey soup recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this soup recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken instead of turkey for this soup recipe. The flavors will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make the broth in advance and store it for later use?

Absolutely! You can make the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it down before storing it.

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

Yes, you can use store-bought turkey broth if you're short on time. However, making your own broth from the turkey carcass will give the soup a richer and more flavorful taste.

Can I substitute the egg noodles with a different type of pasta?

Certainly! You can substitute the egg noodles with any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or even rice if you want to make it gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or spinach to the soup to customize it to your liking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetables you add.