Transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting bowl of turkey noodle soup. This recipe is perfect for using up extra turkey and creating a heartwarming meal that's both delicious and easy to prepare.
If you don't have homemade turkey stock, you can use canned turkey stock or even chicken stock as a substitute. Make sure to grab fresh parsley and no yolk egg noodles when you're at the supermarket, as these might not be staples in your pantry.
Ingredients for leftover turkey noodle soup
Turkey stock: This forms the base of your soup, providing rich flavor and nutrients.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth to the soup.
Carrot: Brings sweetness and color to the dish.
Onion: Adds a savory foundation.
Celery: Provides a mild, aromatic flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its sharpness.
Salt: Essential for seasoning.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Parsley: Freshens up the soup with a burst of herbal flavor.
No yolk egg noodles: These cook quickly and soak up the broth well.
Turkey: The star ingredient, providing protein and texture.
One reader, Eadith Mcpherson says:
This leftover turkey noodle soup is a lifesaver! The flavors meld beautifully, and it's so comforting. Perfect for using up holiday leftovers. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
How to make homemade turkey stock: Explanation on simmering turkey bones and vegetables to create a rich stock. How to chop vegetables: Explanation on how to properly chop carrots, onions, and celery. How to mince garlic: Explanation on how to finely chop garlic cloves. How to season with salt and pepper: Explanation on how to taste and adjust seasoning. How to cook noodles: Explanation on how to cook egg noodles according to package directions. How to shred turkey: Explanation on how to shred leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces.
How To Make Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Turn your leftover turkey into a hearty and filling dish with this turkey noodle soup made with flavorful herbs and spices tossed to the shredded turkey.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6cupshomemade turkey stock,or low sodium canned
- 1bay leaf
- 1cupcarrot,diced
- ¾cuponion,chopped
- ¾cupcelery,diced
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- salt,to taste
- black pepper,freshly ground
- ¼cupparsley,chopped
- 3ozno yolk egg noodles
- 2cupsturkey,leftover, shredded, about 8 ounces
Instructions
-
Fill a large saucepan with homemade turkey stock or canned.
-
Add bay leaf, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
-
Add parsley, noodles, and shredded turkey; cook according to noodle directions for about 5 minutes.
-
Discard bay leaf and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 346.97kcal
- Fat: 9.45g
- Saturated Fat: 2.49g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.16g
- Carbohydrates: 36.11g
- Fiber: 2.97g
- Sugar: 9.17g
- Protein: 28.36g
- Cholesterol: 79.06mg
- Sodium: 1250.43mg
- Calcium: 67.13mg
- Potassium: 826.40mg
- Iron: 2.89mg
- Vitamin A: 294.64µg
- Vitamin C: 10.85mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your turkey noodle soup, consider sautéing the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the turkey stock. This will caramelize the vegetables slightly, adding a deeper, richer taste to your soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop carrots, onions, and celery ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked noodles: Opt for pre-cooked noodles to cut down on cooking time.
Utilize leftover turkey: Shred leftover turkey the night before to save time.
Batch cook stock: Make a large batch of turkey stock and freeze portions for future use.
One-pot method: Cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
homemade turkey stock - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth has a similar flavor profile and can be used as a direct replacement for turkey stock.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme provides a similar earthy flavor and can be used in place of bay leaf.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a slightly sweet flavor similar to carrots and can be used as a substitute.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can be used in place of onions.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that works well as a celery substitute.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic cloves, though the flavor will be less intense.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the soup, replacing the need for salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness and can be used as a substitute for black pepper.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herby flavor similar to parsley.
no yolk egg noodles - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta can be used as a healthier alternative to no yolk egg noodles.
turkey - Substitute with chicken: Cooked chicken has a similar texture and flavor, making it a good substitute for turkey.
How to Beautifully Present Your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the turkey noodle soup in a small, elegant bowl to emphasize the richness and quality of the ingredients.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a touch of color and sophistication.
Highlight the broth: Pour the homemade turkey stock into the bowl first, ensuring it is clear and aromatic, then gently place the vegetables and noodles on top.
Layer the ingredients: Arrange the shredded turkey and vegetables in a visually appealing manner, creating layers that showcase the different textures and colors.
Use high-quality serveware: Serve the soup in a fine china bowl or a minimalist, modern dish to elevate the presentation and make it worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish with a sprinkle of truffle salt or a few drops of truffle oil to add an element of luxury and depth to the dish.
Ensure perfect temperature: Serve the soup at the ideal temperature, ensuring it is hot but not scalding, to enhance the flavors and provide a comforting experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Turkey Noodle Soup
Large saucepan: Used to hold and simmer the turkey stock along with the vegetables and other ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the vegetables and garlic.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the exact quantities of turkey stock, carrots, onion, celery, and parsley.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like salt and pepper.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup as it simmers to ensure even cooking.
Ladle: Used for serving the soup into bowls once it is ready.
Colander: Useful for draining the noodles if they need to be cooked separately before adding to the soup.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Tongs: Useful for handling the shredded turkey and adding it to the soup.
Soup bowls: Used for serving the finished turkey noodle soup.
Bay leaf: Added to the soup for flavor but removed before serving.
Preserving and Freezing Your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Allow the turkey noodle soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the noodles from becoming mushy and help maintain the soup's flavor.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits, making it even more delicious when reheated.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating. This will prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy during the freezing and thawing process.
- Divide the cooled soup (without noodles) into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the soup for up to 3 months for best quality.
To reheat the frozen turkey noodle soup:
- Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the thawed soup to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If you didn't freeze the soup with the noodles, cook them separately and add them to the reheated soup before serving.
If you have limited freezer space, consider freezing just the turkey stock and vegetables. When you're ready to enjoy the soup, thaw the stock and vegetables, then add freshly cooked noodles and any other desired ingredients, such as leftover turkey, before serving.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover turkey noodle soup to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook until it's heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure even heating, preventing the noodles from becoming mushy.
Microwave method: Pour the desired amount of leftover turkey noodle soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as this can cause the noodles to become overcooked and mushy.
Slow cooker method: If you have a large batch of leftover turkey noodle soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let the soup reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover turkey noodle soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating. This method is suitable for reheating larger portions of soup and can help maintain the soup's original texture.
Reheating tips:
- If the leftover turkey noodle soup has thickened during storage, you can thin it out by adding a little turkey or chicken broth while reheating.
- To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy during reheating, you can cook them separately and add them to the reheated soup just before serving.
- If you find that the vegetables have become too soft for your liking, you can add freshly chopped carrots, celery, or other vegetables to the soup while reheating to restore some texture.
Fascinating Trivia About Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that using leftover turkey not only reduces food waste but also enhances the soup with rich, developed flavors from the already cooked meat.
Budgeting for Homemade Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
This leftover turkey noodle soup recipe is highly cost-effective, especially for households looking to make the most out of their leftover turkey. Utilizing homemade turkey stock and common vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, it minimizes waste and maximizes flavor. The addition of egg noodles and parsley enhances the dish without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10 USD.
Is Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This leftover turkey noodle soup recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. Here's why:
- The homemade turkey stock serves as a flavorful, low-fat base for the soup, providing essential nutrients and minerals.
- The recipe is packed with vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic, which offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Turkey is a lean protein source, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied while supporting muscle health.
- The use of no-yolk egg noodles reduces the overall cholesterol content of the dish.
- Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and is rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the soup to boost its nutrient content and add more fiber
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based noodles instead of egg noodles to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe and opt for low-sodium stock to help control sodium intake
- Add other nutrient-dense ingredients like kale, spinach, or mushrooms to further enhance the soup's nutritional value
- Use leftover turkey breast meat, which is leaner than dark meat, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
This leftover turkey noodle soup recipe is a comforting and efficient way to repurpose holiday leftovers. The use of homemade turkey stock enhances the depth of flavor, while the combination of carrots, celery, and onions provides a classic aromatic base. Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish, and the no yolk egg noodles ensure a lighter texture. The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks. Overall, it's a well-balanced, hearty soup that maximizes the use of leftover turkey in a delicious and satisfying manner.
Enhance Your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Perfectly
Why trust this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe:
This leftover turkey noodle soup recipe is a fantastic way to make the most of your holiday leftovers. Using homemade turkey stock ensures rich, deep flavors, while fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery add a nutritious boost. The addition of no yolk egg noodles makes it hearty and satisfying. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and the comforting taste that brings everyone back to the table.
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