Are you staring at a fridge full of leftover turkey and wondering how to turn it into something extraordinary? Look no further! This Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is not just a comforting dish; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty soup that transforms your holiday leftovers into a delicious meal the whole family will love. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this easy-to-make American classic!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by shredding the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces, chopping the onion, slicing carrots, dicing celery, and mincing garlic.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions, celery, and carrots for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the egg noodles and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking for approximately 6-8 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in the shredded turkey and allow to heat through completely, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and shred the turkey in advance. This way, you can whip up the soup in no time when hunger strikes!
- Broth Matters: Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth can elevate the dish even further!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and color.
- Noodle Choice: While egg noodles are traditional, you can experiment with whole grain or gluten-free noodles to suit your dietary needs.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, and don’t hesitate to add a dash of your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley not only adds a pop of color but enhances the aroma and taste of your soup.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb some broth when reheating, so you might need to add a bit more liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
