The ultimate comfort food and the ideal way to use up leftover roast turkey is my turkey noodle soup. While there are many delectable dishes on our Thanksgiving table every year, one of my favorite ways to savor the flavors of the occasion is to make soup with the leftovers. I save all of my turkey bones and meat because they make the tastiest, healthiest soup ever
This recipe for turkey noodle soup is a great way to use up leftover turkey while also satisfying your soul with every bite, whether you’re looking to make the most of leftover turkey or you’re just in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal . Please give my recipe a try and let me know how you liked it in the comments .
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, mountains of delicious food But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with a fridge full of leftovers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re bringing you a culinary masterpiece that will transform your leftover turkey and vegetables into a warm and comforting bowl of Turkey Noodle Soup.
This soup is not just a way to use up leftovers, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal in its own right. The rich broth, infused with the essence of roasted turkey, is the perfect base for tender noodles and a medley of colorful vegetables. Each spoonful is a burst of warmth and comfort, making it the ideal dish for a chilly fall day.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
- Leftover roasted vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, etc.)
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
- Your favorite noodles (egg noodles, pasta, etc.)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the leftover roasted vegetables and shredded turkey.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Tricks:
- Feel free to get creative with your leftover vegetables! This recipe is incredibly versatile and can accommodate whatever you have on hand.
- If you don’t have leftover roasted vegetables, you can easily add fresh ones to the soup. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot along with the broth.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine or sherry to the soup during the simmering process.
- If you’re looking for a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables before adding them back to the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Pairing Suggestions:
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, including:
- Crusty bread: Dip a slice of warm bread into the flavorful broth for a satisfying and comforting experience.
- Fall salad: A light and refreshing salad, such as a beet salad, provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect comfort food pairing for a warm bowl of soup.
- Soft dinner rolls: These fluffy rolls are ideal for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Focaccia bread: The savory flavors of focaccia bread complement the soup beautifully.
With this easy-to-follow recipe and pairing suggestions, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal out of your Thanksgiving leftovers. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Turkey Noodle Soup! And remember, the possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare This Turkey Noodle Soup:
To prepare this heartwarming turkey noodle soup , start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, add in finely diced onions, carrots, and celery, and then sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to melt together.
Next, toss in minced garlic , stirring it in for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – those leftover cooked turkey bones . Pour in a mixture of water and broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. After adding a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and salt , lower the heat to medium and simmer the soup for half an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
After the simmer, remove and discard the turkey bones , ensuring no stray bones remain in the broth. Add the pasta to the pot, along with the shredded or chopped leftover turkey meat. Don’t forget to also taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta reaches its desired level of doneness. Lastly, add some fresh parsley as a garnish. You can also serve it with some freshly squeezed lemon juice for an additional flavor boost.
Why You’ll Love Turkey Noodle Soup:
This recipe for turkey noodle soup is not only a creative way to make your leftover turkey dinner into a filling and tasty meal, but it’s also a great way to cut down on food waste and extend the holiday season.
The soup’s delectable base is the rich, savory broth infused with the roasted turkey , and the soup’s tender turkey meat shreds are an ideal source of protein. This dish is ideal for chilly fall days because it has hearty noodles, which add a satisfying and comforting element .
In addition, this soup is highly customizable, enabling you to add your preferred veggies and seasonings to make it uniquely yours
How to Make Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken and noodles?