"Last-Of-The-Turkey" Soup
A hearty, comforting turkey soup rich in savory flavors, perfect for using leftover turkey and ideal for family dinners or festive leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove cooked turkey meat from the carcass and set aside in the refrigerator.
- Crack the bones of the turkey carcass and place them in a kettle. Cover with water.
- Add skin and seasonings including bay leaf, parsley flakes, thyme, and basil.
- Simmer the broth for 2 hours. Chill the broth.
- Skim off the fat and remove the bones, skin, and bay leaf from the broth.
- Add the reserved turkey meat, chopped celery, sliced carrot, and chopped onion to the broth.
- Simmer until the vegetables reach the desired consistency.
- Add salt to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the turkey carcass before simmering. If you don't have parsley flakes, fresh parsley can be used instead, just double the amount. To thicken the soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. For extra depth, you can sauté the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the broth. This soup is a great way to repurpose leftovers and reduce waste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Luscious Lemon Heaven for dessert, adding a refreshing note to your meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving, or add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick. Avoid reheating in the microwave to retain the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Last-Of-The-Turkey" Soup contains roughly 125 calories, with 23g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover turkey bones instead of a turkey carcass?
Yes, leftover turkey bones work well for this soup. Just ensure you have enough to create a flavorful broth. Simmer the bones in water along with the same seasonings for at least two hours to extract maximum flavor before adding the vegetables.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey and carcass with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes. Incorporate plant-based protein like lentils or beans for a filling alternative. Season with additional herbs to enhance the flavor.
What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If your soup turns out too salty, add a peeled potato to the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The potato will absorb some of the salt. Alternatively, you can dilute the soup with additional unsalted broth or water, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).