Marianne Martinez
Turkey soup is a great way to use up leftover meat after a big meal. It's easy to prepare, comforting, and can be made in a crock pot or slow cooker. You can use either leftover cooked turkey or raw turkey, and the soup can be made with rice, noodles, or potatoes. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste and the ingredients you have available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Turkey, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Potatoes |
| Optional Ingredients | Noodles, Rice, Beans, Cheese, Fresh Herbs, Spices |
| Equipment | Crock Pot/Slow Cooker, Large Pot |
| Time | 4 hours on high, 3 hours on low, 30 minutes to an hour on low |
| Storage | 3 days in the refrigerator, 3 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients: turkey, vegetables, aromatics, broth, and spices
Turkey forms the base of this soup and you can use either leftover cooked turkey or raw turkey. If using raw turkey, it is recommended to use cubed turkey breasts, but you can also add them whole. If you are using leftover turkey, make sure to shred or chop the meat before adding it to the crockpot.
The vegetables used in this soup include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. You can chop or slice the vegetables according to your preference. Additionally, you can add other vegetables such as butternut squash, kale, or mushrooms to enhance the flavour and nutritional value of the soup.
Aromatics are key to adding depth of flavour to the soup. The most commonly used aromatics in turkey soup are onions, garlic, and celery. You can also add carrots and bell peppers to the aromatics for extra flavour.
Broth is an essential ingredient in turkey soup, and you can use either turkey broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. If you have the time, making homemade broth using the turkey carcass is a great way to add extra flavour to your soup.
Spices can be used to enhance the flavour of the soup and some common options include rosemary, thyme, dried basil, bay leaves, black pepper, and kosher salt. You can also use Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning for added convenience. Additionally, fresh herbs such as parsley can be added to the slow cooker to infuse their flavour into the soup.
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Cooking the soup
To make turkey soup in a crock pot, you can use either leftover cooked turkey or raw turkey. If using raw turkey, it is recommended to use cubed turkey breasts, but you can also add them whole. If using ground turkey, brown it first for the best flavor and texture.
Start by placing the turkey, vegetables, and aromatics in the slow cooker. For vegetables, you can use carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. You can also add garlic, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. For aromatics, use onion, garlic, and celery to create a deep flavor.
Next, add liquid to the slow cooker. Turkey broth is traditionally used in turkey soup, but you can also use chicken or vegetable broth, or even water. If you have a turkey carcass, you can use it to make homemade broth by cooking it with the other ingredients. Add spices to the soup to enhance the flavor. You can use rosemary, thyme, dried basil, bay leaves, black pepper, kosher salt, and fresh parsley. Alternatively, use Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using rice, cook it separately and add it to the soup right before serving to avoid mushy rice. If using noodles, cook them separately in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then add them to the slow cooker.
Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to enhance the flavors. You can also add cheese, such as shredded cheddar or parmesan, for an extra punch of flavor. Serve the soup with bread or grilled cheese sandwiches, or try one of the creative serving suggestions below.
Creative serving suggestions:
- Baked Potato Bar: Serve the soup with baked potatoes and a variety of toppings.
- Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a filling and fun presentation.
- Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole: Mix the soup with cooked pasta, shredded cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly.
- Pot Pie: Pour the soup into a pie crust, top with pastry puff, and bake until golden.
- Quiche: Whisk eggs and milk with the soup, add shredded cheese, and bake in a pie shell until set.
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Cooking the noodles
When it comes to cooking the noodles for your turkey soup, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out perfectly. Firstly, it is recommended to cook the noodles separately from the soup to achieve the best texture. This is because noodles that are cooked directly in the crock pot tend to become too soft or mushy.
To cook the noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The type of noodles you choose is up to your preference, but egg noodles are a popular choice for soup. You can use regular pasta or gluten-free alternatives like rice or potato noodles. For an 8-quart crock pot, you'll need about 8 ounces (2 cups) of dry noodles. Follow the package instructions to cook the noodles until they are al dente, which means they should be slightly firm but not hard.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside. It is a good idea to add a small amount of broth or oil to the noodles to prevent them from sticking together. When your soup is ready, simply add the cooked noodles to the crock pot and stir well to combine.
If you prefer to use rice instead of noodles, it is best to cook it separately as well. Prepare the rice according to the package instructions and add it to the crock pot just before serving. This will ensure that the rice maintains its texture and does not become mushy from overcooking.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot turkey soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
Noodles or Rice
You can add cooked noodles or rice to your crockpot turkey soup to make it a more substantial meal. Egg noodles are a popular choice, but you can also use penne pasta or any other type of pasta you prefer. If using noodles or rice, it is recommended to add them towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they don't get too soft or mushy.
Dairy
For a creamy twist to your soup, you can add dairy products such as heavy cream, coconut milk, or half-and-half. However, keep in mind that soups with dairy may not freeze as well, so if you plan to freeze your soup, you may want to skip the dairy.
Vegetables
Feel free to load up your crockpot turkey soup with vegetables! Carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes are commonly used, but you can also add broccoli or any other frozen or canned vegetables you have on hand.
Bread or Salad
Crockpot turkey soup goes well with a side of crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad. If you're looking for something more indulgent, grilled cheese sandwiches are a perfect pairing.
Seasonings and Herbs
To enhance the flavour of your soup, consider adding fresh herbs such as parsley, or dried herbs like Italian seasoning. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a burst of flavour. If you're looking for a spicier kick, you can add some taco seasoning or throw in some jalapeños.
Sides and Leftovers
This soup is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, and it pairs well with other Thanksgiving leftovers like buttermilk biscuits or mashed potatoes.
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Storing leftovers
If you don't want to freeze your leftovers, you can store your soup in the refrigerator. Place your soup in an airtight container and it will keep for 3-4 days. You can also use special "Souper Cubes" to freeze leftovers. These are excellent for freezing soup in perfect portions, and you can then reheat them in a mini crockpot for lunches.
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