7 Must-Try Turkey Soup Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Introduction to Turkey Soup Recipes

Thanksgiving often leaves us with an abundance of leftover turkey, and while sandwiches and salads are great, there’s something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of turkey soup. Transforming your holiday feast into a series of delicious, heart-warming soups not only stretches your food further but also introduces a delightful variety of flavors to your dining table. Here, we’ll explore seven must-try turkey soup recipes that are perfect for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers.

1. Classic Turkey Noodle Soup

The classic turkey noodle soup is a beloved comfort food, perfect for warming up after a chilly day or soothing a sore throat.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add carrots and celery, cook until they begin to soften, approximately another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add turkey and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes.
6. Include egg noodles and cook until they are tender, usually 6-8 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

🔄 Note: This recipe is also excellent with leftover roast chicken instead of turkey.

2. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Turkey and wild rice soup offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional soup, thanks to the nutty flavor of wild rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 8 cups turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in wild rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
5. Include turkey and thyme, continue to simmer for 10 more minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🌾 Note: Wild rice can take longer to cook than regular rice, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

3. Creamy Turkey Potato Soup

A creamy potato soup is the ultimate in comfort, with the addition of turkey for protein and substance.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

Steps:

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add potatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender.
4. Puree half of the soup with an immersion blender or by transferring to a stand blender, then return to pot.
5. Add turkey and cream, heat through without boiling, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with chives before serving.

4. Spicy Turkey Tortilla Soup

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy turkey tortilla soup can spice up your leftover turkey.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• Tortilla chips, crushed for serving
• Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, lime wedges

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and jalapeño until onions are translucent.
3. Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin, cook for another minute.
4. Mix in tomatoes and broth, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce to a simmer, add turkey, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve in bowls, topped with crushed tortilla chips and any additional toppings.

5. Turkey, Spinach, and Lemon Soup

This soup offers a lighter, fresher flavor profile thanks to the lemon and spinach.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups turkey broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon slices for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Cook onion until translucent, then add garlic.
3. Pour in broth, bring to a simmer.
4. Add lemon zest and juice, then the turkey.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with lemon slices.

6. Turkey Chili

A hearty turkey chili is perfect for those cold post-Thanksgiving days, offering a robust flavor that can easily become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (15.5 oz each) kidney beans, drained
• 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until onions are soft.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, turkey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

🌶 Note: Adjust the chili powder to your taste preference for heat.

7. Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs

This is not your traditional Italian wedding soup, but the use of turkey instead of beef meatballs provides a lighter, yet equally delicious version.

Ingredients:

• ¹⁄₂ pound ground turkey
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup orzo pasta

Steps:

1. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to form meatballs.
2. Cook meatballs in a separate pan until browned, set aside.
3. In a pot, bring broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook until tender.
4. Add meatballs, shredded turkey, and spinach; simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

🍽 Note: For an extra touch, drizzle some good quality olive oil on top just before serving.

In summary, these turkey soup recipes not only make the most out of your Thanksgiving leftovers but also offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures. From the comforting classic to the zesty and spicy, there’s a soup for every palate. These recipes are not only a great way to utilize your leftovers but also bring a new lease of life to your turkey, turning it into multiple delicious meals. Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and comfort that these soups bring to your post-holiday table.

Can I freeze these turkey soups?

+

Yes, most of these soups can be frozen. However, avoid freezing soups with dairy or pasta, as they might separate or become mushy upon reheating.

How long can I store leftover turkey soup in the refrigerator?

+

Most soups can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure you cool the soup down quickly before placing it in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.

Are these soups suitable for a low-carb diet?

+

Many of the recipes can be adapted for a low-carb diet. For example, you can skip orzo in the Italian Wedding Soup, or reduce or omit the potatoes in the Creamy Turkey Potato Soup.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in these recipes?

+

Yes, chicken can easily be substituted for turkey in all of these soup recipes. Adjust cooking times if using raw chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.