Soup From Leftover Turkey
A hearty, flavorful turkey soup made from leftover bones and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals. Rich in savory broth, vegetables, and optional noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- all bones leftover from the poultry ⓘ
- leftover stuffing or dressing ⓘ
- 2 qt. cold water ⓘ
- 1 carrot, pared and sliced ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 whole black peppers ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 pt. carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 qt. corn (whole kernel) ⓘ
- 1 can peas
- instant rice ⓘ
- egg noodles or mixed vegetables ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all bones, leftover stuffing or dressing, cold water, carrot, onion, celery, parsley, bay leaf, black peppers, salt, and pepper in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the bones and vegetables from the broth.
- Stir in tomatoes, sliced carrots, corn, peas, and optional rice or noodles.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until heated through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, roast the bones before adding them to the pot. If you don't have leftover stuffing, consider using croutons or a store-bought mix as a substitute. You can also customize the soup by adding any leftover vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile dish. For a heartier version, include instant rice or egg noodles as suggested.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Granny'S Oatmeal Cookies for a sweet finish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup 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. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soup From Leftover Turkey contains roughly 3636 calories, with 131g protein, 973g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (1979% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (307% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 turkey parts instead of bones?
Yes, using turkey parts such as wings or legs can enhance the flavor of the broth. Just ensure they are well-cooked and add them to the pot along with the other ingredients for a hearty soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the turkey bones and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to enrich the flavor while keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.
What types of noodles work best in this soup?
Egg noodles are a classic choice that cook quickly and add a nice texture. However, you can also use whole grain or gluten-free noodles if desired. Just be mindful of cooking times to prevent them from becoming mushy.
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).