When you think about what to do with leftover turkey, soup often comes to mind. You've got options that range from the classic comfort of Turkey Noodle Soup to the zesty kick of Spicy Turkey Tortilla Soup. Each recipe not only makes great use of your turkey but also offers a unique twist that can enhance your meal. Curious about which one will become your new favorite? Let's investigate these five standout recipes that promise to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Classic Turkey Noodle Soup
Classic Turkey Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for using up leftover turkey, especially after holiday feasts. This recipe combines tender pieces of turkey with a medley of vegetables and egg noodles in a savory broth, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
It's not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful way to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, then add the cooked turkey, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the egg noodles and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your turkey noodle soup, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
You can also customize the soup by incorporating your favorite vegetables, such as green beans or peas, or even adding some frozen corn for sweetness.
If you have any leftover gravy from your turkey, mix it into the soup for added richness.
Finally, this soup freezes well, so don't hesitate to make a big batch and store some for later enjoyment!
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for using up leftover turkey from your holiday feast. This dish combines tender turkey meat with the nutty flavor of wild rice, all enveloped in a rich and creamy broth that warms you from the inside out.
It's an easy one-pot meal that's not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the wild rice and broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded turkey, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.
Stir and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pot after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the broth.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, and always taste before serving to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Enjoy garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Spicy Turkey Tortilla Soup
Spicy Turkey Tortilla Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings warmth and flavor to your kitchen, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something comforting. This soup features tender turkey meat, vibrant vegetables, and a kick of spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
It's an easy one-pot meal that can be whipped up in no time, and it's a fantastic way to use leftover turkey after a big feast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the corn and black beans.
Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Extra Tips:
For an even bolder flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
You can also customize the toppings with avocado slices, cheese, or sour cream for extra creaminess. If you have any leftovers, the soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Enjoy your spicy turkey tortilla soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for a complete meal!
Turkey and Vegetable Chowder
Turkey and Vegetable Chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that makes excellent use of leftover turkey, especially after a holiday feast. This creamy chowder is packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful herbs, creating a dish that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly days, it can be whipped up in no time and is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, potatoes, and corn, cooking for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the shredded turkey and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow the chowder to heat through for another 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce while simmering the vegetables.
You can also customize the chowder by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans, or by using different herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot before adding the cream. This dish is perfect for freezing, so make a big batch and enjoy it later on those busy nights!
Lemon Herb Turkey Soup
Lemon Herb Turkey Soup is a light and invigorating dish that combines the savory flavors of turkey with the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic notes of fresh herbs. Perfect for using up leftover turkey or for a comforting meal, this soup isn't only delicious but also easy to prepare. The addition of vegetables boosts the nutritional value and provides a satisfying texture, making it a great choice for any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups turkey broth
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To make the Lemon Herb Turkey Soup, start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the turkey broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the shredded turkey, green beans, corn, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
When making Lemon Herb Turkey Soup, consider adding other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. You can also customize the herbs based on your preference—fresh herbs like dill or basil can add a unique twist.
If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.