Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers: The Ultimate Hearty Turkey Soup Recipe
Thanksgiving is a truly special time of year, filled with an abundance of gratitude, cherished family moments, and, of course, an unforgettable feast. Our recent Thanksgiving celebration was nothing short of amazing, leaving my husband to declare it the best dinner he’d eaten all year – a sentiment I must humbly echo! We indulged in a magnificent spread, including a Maple Mustard Glazed Turkey that had been meticulously brining for three days, ensuring every bite was incredibly succulent and flavorful. Our table also featured an earthy stuffing boasting three different types of mushrooms, a rich cranberry sauce brightened with hints of orange and cinnamon, creamy parmesan mashed potatoes swirled with a vibrant salsa verde, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts adorned with crispy bacon and a sweet balsamic glaze. Each dish was crafted with care, contributing to a truly memorable holiday meal.
The joy of Thanksgiving, however, doesn’t simply end with the last bite of dessert. The following day ushers in the delightful tradition of enjoying leftovers. Our first instinct, naturally, was to craft one of the most amazing sandwiches ever, piling high all the delicious elements from our dinner. While a hearty leftover sandwich is undeniably a post-holiday essential, if your bounty of leftovers is as plentiful as ours was, then I wholeheartedly recommend taking them to the next level with this truly exceptional Leftover Turkey Soup. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying way to extend the celebration and savor every last bit of your holiday bird.
The Magic of Homemade Turkey Broth: Don’t Discard Those Bones!
I’ve had the pleasure of preparing this Leftover Turkey Soup for two consecutive years, and each time, its rich, comforting taste has been absolutely amazing. While I might be sharing this recipe a little after the peak post-Thanksgiving rush (when most of the turkey might already be happily consumed!), it’s definitely a recipe worth saving for next year, or any time another roast bird graces your table. The beauty of this recipe isn’t limited to Thanksgiving turkey; it’s perfectly adaptable for roast chicken leftovers too, making it a versatile and essential part of your culinary repertoire year-round.
The golden rule for this recipe, and arguably the most vital step for an incredible soup, is to never, ever throw out the bones once your roasted bird has been enjoyed. These bones are a veritable treasure trove of flavor and nutrients, the absolute key to crafting an unparalleled homemade broth. As soon as dinner concluded, my immediate task was to gather every last bone from the turkey carcass, including any scraps, and place them into my trusty crockpot. To these, I added a simple yet powerful assortment of vegetables: chunky carrots, crisp celery, fragrant fresh parsley, half an onion, and a few cloves of smashed garlic, along with a pinch of salt. I then set my slow cooker to a low heat for eight hours and let it work its magic overnight. The next morning, I woke to the most intoxicating aroma filling my kitchen and, more importantly, discovered the most incredibly rich and flavorful turkey broth I’ve ever made. The final step was effortlessly straining it through a fine-mesh sieve, and voilà – a deeply aromatic and nutritious broth was ready, forming the perfect foundation for our comforting soup.
Crafting your own turkey broth from the leftover carcass is a transformative experience. It elevates the soup from simply good to truly extraordinary, imparting a depth of flavor that commercially produced broths simply cannot replicate. This process also champions sustainable cooking, ensuring that every valuable part of your holiday feast is utilized to its fullest potential, minimizing food waste while maximizing taste. Furthermore, the hands-off nature of using a slow cooker means this essential step requires minimal effort, allowing you to create this liquid gold while you sleep or go about your day.
Crafting Your Perfect Leftover Turkey Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
The brilliant idea for this particular soup, with its unique blend of escarole, lemon, and farfalle pasta, was inspired by a fantastic recipe I discovered in a past issue of Food Network Magazine. This combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is both deeply comforting and surprisingly elegant. Once your homemade turkey broth is ready, the rest of the soup comes together with remarkable ease and speed, typically requiring only about 50 minutes of active cooking. It’s an ideal, satisfying meal that feels light yet hearty after a heavy holiday feast.
To begin, warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, leeks (ensure they are thoroughly cleaned!), celery, and parsnip. Sauté these aromatic vegetables gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This crucial initial step allows the vegetables to soften, release their natural sugars, and develop a sweet, savory foundation for the soup, building a rich layer of flavor from the very start.
Next, carefully pour in 3 to 4 quarts of your luscious homemade turkey broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady, low simmer. Allow the vegetables to cook in the broth for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are perfectly tender but still retain a pleasant bite. During this time, the broth will absorb the additional flavors from the vegetables, deepening its complexity and creating a truly robust base for your soup.
Now, it’s time to introduce the escarole and a strip of lemon peel (about half a lemon’s worth). Escarole, a member of the chicory family, adds a wonderful, slightly bitter counterpoint that beautifully cuts through the richness of the turkey and broth, providing a refreshing contrast. The lemon strip infuses the soup with a bright, fresh aroma and subtle citrus undertones, enhancing the overall flavor without being overly dominant. Continue to cook the soup for another 10 minutes, allowing the escarole to wilt tenderly and the lemon essence to permeate the broth, creating a lovely aromatic finish.
Finally, stir in the chopped leftover turkey and one cup of farfalle pasta. The farfalle, also known as “bow-tie” pasta, adds a delightful shape and a hearty, satisfying texture to the soup. Continue to cook for just about 5 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the turkey is thoroughly heated through. Be mindful not to overcook the turkey, as it’s already cooked and can become dry or stringy if simmered for too long. Overcooked pasta will also become mushy, so keep an eye on it!
To complete this culinary masterpiece, remove and discard the lemon strip. Stir in a generous 1/4 cup of fresh, finely chopped dill and parsley. These fresh herbs are vital for adding a vibrant burst of color and a wonderfully fragrant, herbaceous lift that brightens the entire dish. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving ties all the flavors together, bringing a zesty freshness that makes the soup sing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. That’s it! You’ll be rewarded with the most amazing, comforting, and flavorful Leftover Turkey Soup you’ve ever tasted – a truly perfect way to extend the joy and deliciousness of your holiday feast into the days that follow.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Turkey Broth
As highlighted, the quality of your turkey broth is paramount to an exceptional soup. Here’s how to ensure your homemade broth is rich, clear, and packed with flavor:
- Maximize Your Bones: Don’t just use the main carcass. Include any leftover neck, wing tips, fatty pieces, and even any hardened pan drippings. The more bone and connective tissue, the more collagen and flavor will be extracted.
- Optional Roasting Step: If your turkey didn’t achieve a deep golden-brown during its initial roast, consider breaking the carcass into smaller pieces and roasting them again for 30-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until deeply colored. This caramelizes the bones and adds incredible depth and a richer hue to your broth.
- Essential Aromatics: Beyond the standard onions, carrots, and celery (the classic mirepoix), enhance your broth with a few smashed, unpeeled garlic cloves, a bay leaf, about a teaspoon of whole black peppercorns, and a handful of fresh parsley stems (the stems are great for flavor). Avoid strongly flavored or cruciferous vegetables like cabbage or broccoli, as they can impart undesirable flavors.
- Low and Slow is the Way: Whether you opt for a slow cooker or a large stockpot on your stovetop, the key to a superior broth is low heat and a long cooking time. This gentle simmering slowly extracts all the gelatin, collagen, and minerals from the bones without causing the broth to become cloudy. If cooking on the stove, ensure it’s a very gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil.
- Skim for Clarity: During the first hour or two of cooking, you’ll notice a layer of foamy “scum” rising to the surface. Periodically skim this off with a ladle or a fine-mesh spoon. This step is crucial for achieving a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Thorough Straining: Once your broth has cooked for the recommended time and developed its deep flavor, strain it meticulously through a fine-mesh sieve. For an even clearer broth, line the sieve with a piece of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the spent ingredients.
- Cool and Degrease: Allow the strained broth to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Once chilled, the fat will solidify on the surface, making it incredibly easy to lift off and discard. This step results in a lighter, healthier, and clearer broth.
Customizing Your Leftover Turkey Soup: Endless Possibilities
While the classic recipe detailed above is wonderfully delicious, this leftover turkey soup is remarkably versatile and incredibly forgiving. Feel empowered to make it truly your own with these creative and tasty variations:
- Vegetable Enhancement: Boost the nutritional content and add more texture by incorporating other vegetables. Consider diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for added heartiness (add them earlier with the other root vegetables), fresh spinach or kale for a dose of greens (stir in at the very end to just wilt), or even vibrant bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and color. Frozen peas or corn can also be quick additions at the end.
- Alternative Grains or Pasta: If farfalle isn’t your preferred pasta, feel free to substitute with other small shapes like orzo, ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even broken spaghetti. For a gluten-free option or a different textural element, try adding cooked rice (brown or white), quinoa, or pearl barley. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the specific grain or pasta you choose.
- Legume Boost: For a more substantial, protein-rich meal, stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chickpeas, or even a handful of red lentils (which will cook down and thicken the soup) during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- Flavorful Spice Twists: Introduce a new dimension of flavor with different spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle, warming kick. Smoked paprika can contribute a deeper, more robust, and slightly smoky flavor profile. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, added with the broth, can also offer lovely aromatic notes.
- Creamy Indulgence: For a richer, more luxurious soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dollop of Greek yogurt (stirred in off the heat to prevent curdling) just before serving.
- Umami Depth: A small dash of Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon of soy sauce, or even a teaspoon of fish sauce can add an incredible layer of umami to the broth, enhancing its savory characteristics without imparting a distinct flavor of their own.
Serving and Storage Suggestions for Your Delightful Soup
This hearty turkey soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the dining experience even further. Serve your soup piping hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of additional fresh parsley or dill, and perhaps a final drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an extra layer of flavor and sheen. A thick slice of crusty artisan bread, a warm dinner roll, or a piece of homemade cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, aromatic broth. For those who enjoy a cheesy touch, a light grating of fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over each steaming bowl is always a welcome addition.
One of the many benefits of this homemade turkey soup is how wonderfully it lends itself to meal prep! It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Make sure to allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it for refrigeration. For even longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or sturdy freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If you find the soup has thickened too much after thawing, simply add a little extra turkey broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This makes it a perfect grab-and-go meal for busy weeknights, offering a taste of holiday comfort any time you desire.
Leftovers Turkey Soup
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Ingredients
Leftover Turkey Soup
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 leak , sliced
- 3 celery stalks , chopped
- 3 carrots , chopped
- 1 parsnip , chopped
- 3-4 quarts of turkey broth (see below)
- 10 leaves of escarole
- 1 strip of half a lemon
- 2-3 cups of leftover turkey , chopped
- 1 cup farfarelle pasta
- Juice of a half lemon
- 1/4 cup of fresh dill and parsley
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Turkey Broth
- 1 turkey carcass and any other leftover bones
- 2 onions , cut into chunks
- 2 carrots , cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks , cut into chunks
- 4 cloves of garlic , smashed
- Bunch of parsley
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorn
- 1 bay leave
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
Leftover Turkey Soup
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Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or other large pot over medium heat.
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Add carrots, leeks, celery and parsnip and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
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Pour in the homemade turkey broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the escarole and the lemon strip. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the escarole to wilt.
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Stir in the chopped leftover turkey and farfalle pasta. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the turkey is heated through.
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Remove the lemon strip. At the very end, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped herbs (dill and parsley).
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Taste and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Turkey Broth
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Add the turkey carcass, any other leftover bones, onions, carrots, celery, smashed garlic, bunch of parsley, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt to a slow cooker. Cover with water until all ingredients are submerged. Close the lid and set on low heat for 8 hours.
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Once cooked, carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer (ideally lined with cheesecloth) to remove all solids. Allow to cool, then refrigerate until the fat solidifies and can be easily skimmed off.
We sincerely hope this expanded guide inspires you to embrace the delicious possibilities of your holiday leftovers and create a truly heartwarming and flavorful pot of turkey soup. It’s a wonderful, economical way to extend the cherished flavors of a special meal and nourish your family with a warm, comforting, and homemade dish. Happy cooking!