Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness that’s also surprisingly healthy? Look no further! This creamy turkey soup recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a sophisticated lunch. Packed with flavor and protein, this easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the ultimate homemade comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked wild rice or noodles for added heartiness
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step builds a wonderful base of flavor for your soup.
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Add the Broth and Turkey: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded turkey. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmering gently allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Simmer and Season: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed – some broths are saltier than others.
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Stir in the Cream: Once the soup has simmered sufficiently, gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Avoid boiling after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Heat through gently.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. If using, add cooked rice or noodles to each bowl for extra heartiness. This soup is delicious served with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Creamy Turkey Soup:
- Use leftover turkey: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted turkey, making it even more efficient!
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables can become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- For a smoother soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cream for an extra creamy texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Turkey Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Turkey Soup: Add other vegetables such as diced potatoes, green beans, or peas.
- Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked wild rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This creamy turkey soup is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!