Thanksgiving leftovers are such A Big Deal in our family, on Thanksgiving we cook two turkeys, one for the dinner and one for the leftovers (see How to Cook a Turkey for the best-ever roast turkey recipe). This is rather over the top of us—if you want a more reasonable amount of leftovers, use this easy guide to How Much Turkey Per Person to plan for them in advance (or make Air Fryer Turkey Breast on the side). Whether you do it on purpose or accidentally end up with too much leftover turkey meat, this easy turkey soup recipe is a perfect way to use it (check out this list of Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for more ideas). I also love turkey soup because if you have a lesser amount of leftovers, turkey soup is an excellent way to stretch them.
How to Make Turkey Soup
This savory turkey soup recipe works well with or without the turkey carcass. If you make turkey soup without the carcass, it won’t be as rich, but as long as you purchase good-quality chicken stock or turkey stock, your soup will still be scrumptious.
The Ingredients
Brown Rice. As the rice cooks, its starches break down, helping make the soup creamy. It’s also a fantastic way to cook a big, hearty meal at a budget price. Brown rice is pleasantly nutty and adds filling fiber and nutrients.
Veggies. Aromatic vegetables slowly sautéed down are the critical way to start any soup, this one included! I chose the classic mirepoix mix of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, which give flavor and umph of the dish. Additionally, spinach and peas are added to the soup for further complexity and to pack even more nutrients like potassium, calcium, and vitamin C in one bowl.
Leftover Turkey. The reason for the soup and how to keep your Thanksgiving meal going after the holiday! And hello protein, this soup will fill you up.
Broth. I called for chicken broth, but turkey or vegetable broth may also be used. Stock will give the soup even more flavor.Lemon Juice. Brings all the flavors to life.Herbs. Oregano is sautéed with the veggies to bring more depth and warmth, and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme finish off the soup with one last pop of flavor. Leftover Turkey Carcass. The bones can have a second life! Simmering the turkey carcass in the soup is an optional method to thicken turkey soup and deepen its flavor.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Put leftover turkey soup in the fridge within 2 hours of cooling. Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a large pot on the stovetop on in the microwave.To Freeze. Turkey soup can be frozen in airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Dutch Oven. A large dutch oven i one of my favorite items in my kitchen, and I know it will last a lifetime. Ladle. My favorite ladle for serving up soups and stews.Soup Sack. For holding and then removing the carcass in soup, if you are choosing to use it.
Between the sandwiches, Turkey Pot Pie, and now homemade turkey soup, I might need to cook an extra turkey (I’m liking this Spatchcock Turkey) myself this year!
White rice cooks more quickly than brown rice (start checking white rice for doneness after 15 minutes of simmering).DO NOT use instant brown rice, which will turn to mush. Save it for Broccoli Rice Casserole instead.
A harder veggie like potatoes would be sautéed along with the carrots, and a leafy green would be stirred in at the end.
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