Are you craving a delicious, hearty soup that transforms leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal in just 50 minutes? Look no further! This Easy Homemade Turkey Soup is not just a recipe – it's a culinary experience that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with comforting aromas and rich, creamy flavors. Whether you're looking to use up holiday leftovers or simply want a quick and satisfying meal, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked turkey
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the cooked turkey, peeling and slicing carrots, slicing celery stalks, and dicing the onion. Gather all measured spices and broth.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the vegetables and enhance their flavors.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the broth, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Add the diced cooked turkey to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the meat thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality, freshly cooked turkey for the best flavor. Leftover roasted turkey works perfectly!
- Don't rush the sautéing process – taking time to caramelize the onions adds depth to the soup's flavor profile.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can create a quick roux by adding a tablespoon of flour with the butter before adding vegetables.
- Fresh herbs make a world of difference – if you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, use it for garnishing.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually improve overnight.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding some diced potatoes or wild rice to make the soup more substantial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
