Transform your holiday turkey leftovers into a warm, comforting bowl of Hearty Turkey Soup! Packed with fresh vegetables, couscous, and flavorful herbs like thyme and parsley, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or easy meal prep, this recipe is a cozy way to enjoy your leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Use for Leftovers: A great way to repurpose cooked turkey.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh veggies, lean turkey, and healthy herbs.
- Easy and Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to include your favorite grains or vegetables.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for a convenient lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 6 cups turkey or chicken stock
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup couscous (or substitute with quinoa, rice, or pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Herbs
- Pour in the turkey or chicken stock and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Turkey and Couscous
- Stir in the cooked turkey and couscous. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Grain-Free Option: Replace couscous with diced sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer soup.
- Add More Veggies: Include zucchini, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary, dill, or oregano if you don’t have thyme.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without couscous) for up to 3 months. Add the couscous fresh when reheating to avoid sogginess.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked?
Yes, sauté raw turkey in the pot before adding the vegetables. Cook until browned, then proceed with the recipe.
2. Can I use a different grain?
Absolutely! Swap couscous with quinoa, barley, rice, or orzo for variety.
3. How do I make this soup thicker?
Add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
4. Can I use leftover roasted vegetables?
Yes, stir in roasted veggies during the last 5 minutes of cooking to reheat them gently.
5. Is this soup suitable for a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except couscous in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add couscous during the last 30 minutes.
6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of turkey stock?
Yes, vegetable broth works as a lighter alternative.
7. What’s the best way to shred cooked turkey?
Use two forks to shred the turkey, or chop it into bite-sized pieces for a chunkier texture.
8. How do I enhance the flavor?
Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra depth.
9. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with more olive oil and omit any cream additions.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This Hearty Turkey Soup is a delicious and comforting way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a nutritious meal. Packed with vegetables, couscous, and flavorful herbs, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy lunches or dinners. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a warm and hearty treat!
Print
Hearty Turkey Soup Recipe for Leftovers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Turkey Soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey! Packed with fresh veggies, a touch of couscous, and flavorful herbs like thyme and parsley, this comforting soup is great for lunches, dinners, or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or diced)
Produce:
- 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Canned Goods:
- 6 cups turkey or chicken stock
Pasta & Grains:
- 1/2 cup couscous
Baking & Spices:
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy:
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Herbs:
- Pour in the turkey or chicken stock. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Soup Base:
- Simmer the soup for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Turkey and Couscous:
- Stir in the cooked turkey and couscous. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender.
- Season and Garnish:
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, replace couscous with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.
- Use leftover roasted chicken instead of turkey if needed.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
