Turkey soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing meal. This easy turkey soup recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Forget complicated recipes; this one focuses on flavor and ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a quick weekend lunch.
What Makes This Turkey Soup Recipe So Easy?
This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We're using readily available ingredients and minimizing chopping and cooking time. The result? A delicious and satisfying soup ready in under an hour. No special culinary skills are needed – perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey broth for a richer flavor)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover turkey is perfect!)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cooked egg noodles or rice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Easy Turkey Soup Recipe Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the broth and turkey: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded turkey, diced tomatoes (undrained), thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the egg noodles or rice during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering time, ensuring they are cooked through.
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Garnish and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H2: Can I use different vegetables in this turkey soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or green beans. Just add them along with the carrots and celery in step 1. Consider the cooking time of your chosen vegetables; some may require longer cooking than others.
H2: What kind of turkey should I use?
Leftover roasted turkey is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use cooked turkey breast or any other cooked turkey you have available. Dark meat turkey will add a richer flavor to the soup.
H2: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles or rice during the last hour of cooking.
H2: How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) towards the end of cooking. Stir it in and simmer for a few minutes until the soup thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes or carrots to create a creamier texture.
H2: How long can I store leftover turkey soup?
Leftover turkey soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's even better the next day!
This easy turkey soup recipe is a versatile and delicious way to use up leftover turkey or enjoy a comforting meal anytime. Enjoy!
