Are you tired of the same old leftover turkey sandwiches? Get ready to elevate your post-Thanksgiving dining experience with a soul-warming "Day After Thanksgiving Herbed Turkey Soup" that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a magical transformation of your holiday remnants into a hearty, herb-infused comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with tender turkey, aromatic herbs, and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is the ultimate way to turn your leftovers into a gourmet meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the vegetables.
- Pour the turkey broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. The liquid should cover the vegetables completely.
- Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary into the broth. These herbs will infuse the soup with a rich, aromatic flavor characteristic of traditional Thanksgiving seasonings.
- Add the shredded cooked turkey to the simmering broth. Ensure the turkey is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the turkey broth may already contain some salt, so add carefully and taste as you go.
- Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
- Periodically stir the soup and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the vegetables are soft and the broth has developed a rich flavor, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Use homemade turkey broth if possible - it adds an incredible depth of flavor compared to store-bought versions.
- Don't rush the simmering process. The slow cooking allows herbs and vegetables to release their full flavor potential.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- If your soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little additional broth or water.
- Save some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnishing - they'll add a bright, fresh note to the finished soup.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a large batch for future meals.
- For added nutrition, you can include additional vegetables like diced potatoes or spinach.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 40mg
