Why You’ll Love this Comforting Turkey Soup
After the holiday feast has ended and your refrigerator is stuffed with leftover turkey, this homemade turkey soup becomes your perfect kitchen companion. I’m telling you, there’s something magical about transforming that picked-over carcass into a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out.
What’s not to love? It’s economical, using every last bit of your holiday bird. The combination of tender turkey chunks, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates comfort in a bowl. Plus, it’s versatile—add noodles, rice, or even dumplings. Can you think of a better way to extend the holiday flavors?
What Ingredients are in Comforting Turkey Soup?
The beauty of turkey soup lies in its simplicity and ability to transform leftovers into something utterly delicious. This recipe makes the most of your holiday turkey carcass, turning what might’ve been discarded into a rich, flavorful broth that serves as the perfect base for a comforting soup. The combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and tender pieces of turkey creates a nourishing meal that’s perfect for those chilly days after the holiday celebrations.
- 1 leftover turkey carcass
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 (14½ ounce) cans chicken broth
- 8 cups water (approximately)
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 stalks celery
- 2 large carrots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or your favorite seasonings)
- Egg noodles for serving
Don’t worry about being too precise with your measurements here—soup is wonderfully forgiving. If you have more turkey meat to add in, go for it. The vegetables can be adjusted based on what you have in your refrigerator, and the herbs can reflect your personal taste preferences. For a heartier version, you might consider adding some potatoes or other root vegetables. And if you’re not a fan of noodles, rice or small pasta shapes work wonderfully too. Just remember that the turkey carcass is the star of the show, providing that deep, savory flavor that makes this soup so special.
How to Make this Comforting Turkey Soup
Making turkey soup is one of those kitchen tasks that feels almost therapeutic. You start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large soup pot, then add your finely chopped onion, 2 celery stalks, and 1 minced garlic clove. Let these aromatics sweat until tender—not browned, just softened and fragrant. This creates the flavor foundation for your entire soup.
I love this step because the kitchen starts to fill with that wonderful, homey scent that says comfort is on the way.
Next comes the transformation of leftovers into luxury. Add your turkey carcass to the pot along with in 2 cans of chicken broth, 1 can of tomato sauce, and enough water to cover everything (about 8 cups). Season with 1 tablespoon of garlic salt, fresh ground pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it work its magic for about an hour. The carcass will release all its hidden flavors into the broth—isn’t it amazing how something we might’ve thrown away becomes the star of a new dish?
After simmering, strain the soup into another pot, removing the spent vegetables and carcass. Pick off any remaining meat from the bones and return it to your strained broth. For precise results, use a premium meat thermometer to ensure the soup maintains the ideal temperature between 180-190°F during the simmering process.
For the final stage, chop the remaining celery stalks into small pieces and add them to the soup along with any additional leftover turkey you might have. While the soup simmers, consider making fresh tortillas using an electric tortilla maker to serve alongside your homemade turkey soup for a complete meal. Return everything to a simmer for another 1½ hours, adding your 2 chopped carrots about 45 minutes before the end.
This staggered addition guarantees each vegetable reaches its perfect texture—the carrots should be tender but not mushy. When serving, ladle the steaming soup over fine egg noodles in each bowl rather than cooking them directly in the soup.
This way, the noodles stay firm rather than absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy. And there you have it—a soul-warming bowl that makes the most of your holiday leftovers.
Comforting Turkey Soup Substitutions and Variations
While traditional recipes provide a wonderful foundation, what about putting your own creative spin on this comforting turkey soup? Consider swapping chicken broth for vegetable stock if you’re cutting back on sodium, or use bone broth for extra richness.
Not a fan of tomato sauce? Try a splash of white wine instead for a different flavor profile.
You can easily customize the vegetables too. Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even kale make wonderful additions.
And don’t feel tied to egg noodles—wild rice, barley, or even small pasta shapes work beautifully.
The possibilities are endless, really. What’s in your pantry?
What to Serve with Comforting Turkey Soup
Now that your soup pot is simmering away, let’s consider what might accompany this steaming bowl of turkey goodness.
I always reach for fresh, crusty bread – something hearty like sourdough or a rustic multigrain that can stand up to dipping.
A simple side salad works wonders too. Think crisp greens with a light vinaigrette, creating that perfect hot-cold contrast with your soup.
Can you imagine that invigorating crunch alongside the rich broth?
For drinks, what about apple cider or a light white wine?
And don’t forget those fine egg noodles mentioned in the recipe – they’re not just a suggestion, they’re practically essential.
Final Thoughts
After spending hours simmering this soul-warming turkey soup, I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to honor those holiday leftovers.
There’s something magical about transforming a humble carcass into golden, flavorful broth that can nourish you for days.
I love how forgiving this recipe is.
Don’t have fresh thyme? Dried works fine.
Want more veggies? Toss them in.
The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability.
Just like a smash cake recipe that combines simple ingredients for amazing results, this soup transforms basic components into something special.
Consider topping your bowl with Monterey Jack cheese for a delicious finishing touch that adds creamy richness to the broth.
