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Leftover Turkey Soup

Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Leftover Turkey Soup is a homemade soup made with cookedturkey, vegetables, and broth. It usually includes onion, carrots, celery, andherbs. Lemon juice adds a clean, bright taste at the end. This soup helpsstretch leftovers into a new, satisfying dish while keeping flavors balancedand familiar.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked leftover turkey chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice or noodles optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Ladle
  • Airtight containers

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Do not burn it.
  4. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf. Stir well.
  5. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Add chopped leftover turkey and cooked rice or noodles if using.
  8. Simmer for 10 more minutes until heated through.
  9. Turn off heat. Add parsley and lemon juice.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

This Leftover Turkey Soup recipe works best with low-sodium broth. It gives you control over salt. If your turkey is already seasoned, taste before adding more salt. Store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, skip rice or noodles and add them fresh later. Reheat gently on the stove to protect texture and flavor.