Mom’s Heartwarming Turkey Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Chilly winter evenings call for comfort in a bowl, and this hearty mom’s turkey soup recipe delivers pure warmth and nostalgia.

Leftover turkey finds new life in this delicious broth packed with tender vegetables and rich, satisfying flavors.

Every spoonful carries memories of home-cooked meals and loving care.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly seasoned broth make this soup a standout dish that goes beyond basic leftovers.

Vegetables simmer alongside savory turkey pieces, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Slurp by slurp, you’ll reconnect with the simple joy of a home-cooked meal that warms both body and soul.

Mom’s Turkey Soup Brings Back Memories

• Transform your holiday turkey into a comforting, waste-reducing soup that gives new life to every delicious morsel from your previous meal.
• Adapt the recipe by switching noodles, adding different herbs, or including extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Create a hearty, homemade soup packed with nutrients, protein, and rich flavors that provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when someone needs a healing meal.
• Follow straightforward steps that require minimal cooking skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

All Ingredients for Mom’s Turkey Soup

• Turkey Carcass: Essential for creating a rich, flavorful homemade stock.
• Cold Water: Helps extract maximum flavor from the turkey bones.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Provide a classic flavor foundation for the soup stock.
• Herbs: Add depth and complexity to the soup's overall taste profile.
• Peppercorns: Contribute a subtle spicy warmth to the stock.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base for sautéing fresh vegetables.
• Fresh Carrots, Onions, Celery: Add texture and additional flavor to the finished soup.
• Seasonings: Enhance and balance the soup's overall taste.

• Noodles: Provide extra substance and comfort to the soup.
• Shredded Turkey Meat: Adds protein and completes the turkey soup experience.

The Right Tools for Making Turkey Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for making stock and simmering soup, with plenty of space for ingredients.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Perfect for removing bones and filtering stock for a smooth, clear base.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping fresh vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Helps create precise cuts for carrots, onions, and celery.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.
• Ladle: Useful for transferring and serving hot soup.
• Measuring Cups: Helps ensure accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.

Mom’s Turkey Soup Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Turkey Stock Base

Grab a large pot and place the turkey carcass inside.

Pour cold water over the bones until they’re completely covered.

• Chopped onion
• Sliced carrots
• Diced celery
• Fresh herbs (like thyme and parsley)
• Whole peppercorns

The key is to create a rich, flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Develop Deep Flavor

Crank up the heat and bring the stock to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let the liquid bubble softly for about 4 hours.

Use a spoon to skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

This process extracts all the delicious turkey essence.

Step 3: Strain The Liquid Gold

Carefully remove the large bones and spent vegetables from the pot.

Pour the stock through a fine mesh strainer to catch any small bits.

This creates a clear, clean broth that’s packed with flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Fresh Vegetables

Take a clean pot and melt butter over medium heat.

• Carrots
• Onions
• Celery

Cook until the vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, which takes about 10 minutes.

The sautéing brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 5: Combine Stock And Vegetables

Pour the strained stock into the pot with sautéed vegetables.

Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs.

Allow everything to simmer gently until the vegetables reach perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

If you want noodles, drop them in now and cook until they’re just right.

Fold in shredded turkey meat and warm everything through.

The soup is ready to serve hot and steaming.

Mom’s Favorite Turkey Soup Tricks

• Roast vegetables before adding to stock to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Remove foam and impurities during simmering to ensure a clear, clean-tasting broth without bitter undertones.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating, and it'll keep well for 3-4 days. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their nutrients and vibrant color.
• Taste and tweak salt and pepper at the end of cooking to perfect the soup's overall flavor balance.

Easy Ways to Switch Up Turkey Soup

• Chicken Variation: Replace turkey carcass with whole roasted chicken bones for a lighter, milder flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Stock Option: Swap turkey bones with mushroom stems, kombu seaweed, and root vegetable scraps to create a rich, umami-packed vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use rice noodles or zucchini spirals instead of traditional wheat noodles, ensuring the soup remains safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sodium Version: Eliminate added salt, using herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance natural flavors while reducing sodium content.

Serving Mom’s Turkey Soup for Family

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty turkey soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop of broth.
• Rustic Comfort Plating: Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley or dill, adding a bright pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the soup's homemade feel.
• Healthy Side Companion: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad featuring mixed greens, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory soup flavors.
• Winter Warming Meal: Create a complete meal by serving alongside buttery cornbread or quick drop biscuits that complement the soup's comforting warmth and texture.

How to Keep Turkey Soup Fresh

• Seal leftover turkey soup in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the soup flat to maintain even temperature and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Gently reheat soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if soup has thickened during storage to restore original consistency.

FAQs

• Why use cold water when making stock?

Cold water helps extract more flavor and nutrients from the bones gradually, creating a richer and clearer broth without clouding the liquid.

• Can I make this soup with chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! The recipe works perfectly with chicken bones and meat, making it a versatile soup base for leftover roasted poultry.

• How long can I keep the homemade stock before using it?

You can store the strained stock in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months, ensuring you have delicious stock ready whenever needed.

• Is skimming the foam important during simmering?

Yes, skimming removes impurities and fat, resulting in a clearer, cleaner-tasting stock with a more refined flavor profile.

Mom’s Turkey Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty mom’s turkey soup recipe brings comfort and warmth to family gatherings. Savory broth, tender meat, and fresh vegetables create a nourishing meal you’ll cherish with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 leftover turkey carcass with drippings
• 3 cups cooked turkey meat, shredded
• 6 ounces (170 grams) egg noodles (optional)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large yellow onion, cut in wedges
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 8 whole peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Position the turkey carcass in a spacious pot, completely submerging it with cold water. Incorporate aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, along with fragrant herbs and whole peppercorns.
2. Escalate the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the stock to develop rich flavors for approximately 4 hours, periodically skimming away any accumulated foam from the surface.
3. Carefully extract all solid components, removing bones and original vegetables. Meticulously strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a crystal-clear, refined stock.
4. Select a pristine cooking vessel and melt butter over medium heat. Introduce freshly chopped carrots, onions, and celery, gently sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and tender, requiring roughly 8-10 minutes.
5. Gradually pour the strained stock into the vegetable-filled pot. Enhance with preferred seasonings and allow the mixture to simmer, ensuring vegetables reach optimal tenderness and flavors meld harmoniously.
6. If desired, introduce noodles and cook until perfectly al dente. Fold in delicately shredded turkey meat, warming thoroughly to create a comforting, soul-satisfying soup ready for serving.

Notes

• Use a fresh turkey carcass for the richest, most flavorful stock possible, avoiding pre-roasted or previously seasoned bones.
• Allow extra time for skimming foam during simmering to ensure a clear, clean-tasting broth without cloudy or greasy residue.
• Choose wide, hearty egg noodles or small pasta shapes that hold up well in the soup and provide satisfying texture.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg