Smoked Turkey Soup
A hearty, smoky turkey soup with tender vegetables and rich broth, perfect for using leftover turkey and comforting any cold day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the smoked or leftover turkey carcass and strip the meat off the bones.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the broth.
- Cook until the potatoes, carrots, and celery are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Accent to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including herbs like thyme or bay leaf while cooking the soup. If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, you can use homemade stock or vegetable broth instead. Leftover vegetables can also be added to use them up. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving, similar to what you might do with Chicken Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Tater Fried Chicken for a comforting dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Turkey Soup contains roughly 241 calories, with 5g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1439mg per serving (63% 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 a regular turkey instead of a smoked one?
Yes, you can use a regular turkey carcass. The flavor will be different, but you can enhance it by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed since a smoked turkey will impart its own flavor.
What can I do if I don't have enough turkey meat?
If you find you're short on turkey meat, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken to supplement. This will help maintain the protein content of the soup while still delivering a delicious flavor.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make the soup healthier, you can increase the amount of vegetables by adding greens like spinach or kale. Opt for low-sodium chicken bouillon cubes or homemade stock to reduce sodium. You can also replace some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
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).