Turkey noodle soup is a comforting dish that’s great for leftover turkey. It’s nutritious, with only 156 calories and less than 16 grams of carbs per serving. You can make it your own by adding your favorite veggies or pasta.
Using homemade turkey stock is key to a delicious soup. It makes the broth rich and flavorful.
The Benefits of Turkey Soup
Turkey soup is a nourishing and nutritious meal. It’s made with flavorful turkey broth. This comfort food is delicious and packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Whether you’re using leftover turkey or fresh poultry, turkey soup is great for any season.
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Nutritional Value of Turkey
Turkey is a great source of protein, with 37 grams per serving. It also has zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. Eating turkey in your soup means you get a meal full of nutrients.
This supports muscle growth, immune function, and overall health.
Health Benefits of Soup
Soup is a healthy choice, and turkey noodle soup is no different. It’s low in fat (15 grams) and high in fiber (11 grams). The mix of broth, vegetables, and protein makes it a nutritious meal.
Comfort Food for Every Season
Turkey soup is a beloved comfort food for all seasons. It’s perfect for a warm meal on a cold day or a light meal in the summer. You can adjust it to fit your taste and the season.
Looking to add healthy meals to your diet? Try making turkey noodle soup. It’s tasty and gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Ingredients Needed for Turkey Noodle Soup
To make a tasty turkey noodle soup, you need a few important ingredients. The turkey is the main part, whether it’s fresh or leftover. You’ll need about 8 ounces of shredded turkey for a good serving size. This gives you 20 grams of protein.
Fresh Turkey vs. Leftover Turkey
Using fresh turkey is great, but leftover turkey is even better. Leftover turkey can stay good in the fridge for up to four days. Just shred or cube it before adding it to your soup.
Choosing the Right Noodles
The noodles in turkey noodle soup are usually egg noodles. For this recipe, you’ll need about 3 ounces of uncooked egg noodles. They will cook up to about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
Essential Vegetables and Herbs
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Parsley
- Bay leaf
- Garlic
These veggies and herbs make the soup taste better and are good for you. Carrots and celery are cooked a bit before adding them to the broth.
Stock and Broth Options
You’ll need 6 cups of turkey stock or broth for the soup’s base. If you have a turkey carcass, you can make homemade stock. Just simmer it with water, veggies, and herbs for 3-4 hours. Or, you can use canned or boxed turkey or chicken stock for a quicker option.
How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making homemade turkey noodle soup is simple. Just a few steps and you’ll have a comforting, flavorful dish. Let’s explore how to make the perfect turkey soup.
Preparing the Turkey
If you have leftover turkey, shred or chop it into small pieces. Roasting the turkey carcass can add more flavor. Simmer it with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs for 3-4 hours. Then, strain the broth and remove excess fat.
Cooking the Vegetables
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot with olive oil. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step is key for the soup’s flavor.
Adding Noodles and Seasoning
After the vegetables are cooked, add your turkey stock or broth. Bring to a boil, then add noodles. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Stir in the turkey and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Simmering to Perfection
Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes more. This allows the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The longer it simmers, the richer the soup.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with parsley or chives if you like. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or a comforting lunch.
| Nutrient | Percentage per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 16% |
| Protein | 72% |
| Fat | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 13% |
| Sodium | 71% |
| Potassium | 18% |
| Fiber | 13% |
| Sugar | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 104% |
| Vitamin C | 12% |
| Calcium | 7% |
| Iron | 11% |
The recipe makes about 4 servings. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
“A bowl of homemade turkey noodle soup is like a hug from the inside.”
Tips for Storing Turkey Noodle Soup
Enjoying turkey noodle soup doesn’t have to end when you’re done eating. With the right storage, you can enjoy it for days. Let’s look at how to keep it fresh in the fridge, freezer, and when reheating.
Proper Refrigeration Techniques
To keep your soup fresh, cool it down and put it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors in and the soup moist. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying leftovers.
Freezing Your Soup for Later
Freezing is great for longer storage. It’s best to freeze the soup and noodles separately. This stops the noodles from getting mushy. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, enjoying it even when it’s cold outside.
Reheating Methods to Retain Flavor
To reheat your frozen soup, simmer it gently. Add the noodles in the last few minutes. This keeps the noodles firm and the soup flavorful.
By following these tips, you can enjoy turkey noodle soup for a long time. A little prep work means you can have a delicious bowl whenever you want.
Variations of Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey noodle soup can be made in many ways. You can make it creamy and comforting or spicy and bold. It’s a classic dish that you can customize to your liking.
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipes
For a creamy twist, add heavy cream or coconut milk. This makes the soup rich and indulgent. You can also add shredded cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, for extra creaminess.
Spicy Turkey Noodle Soup Options
Make your soup spicy by adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also use spices like cumin, chili powder, or paprika. This will give you a spicy version of the soup.
Vegetarian Alternatives to Consider
For a meatless option, use tofu or mushrooms instead of turkey. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken stock. Add fresh vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli for a nutritious meal.
Choosing the right ingredients is key to a great turkey noodle soup. Let the flavors mix well by simmering it slowly. Try different combinations to find your favorite turkey soup recipe.
Pairing Suggestions for Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey noodle soup is a comforting dish that goes well with many sides. It’s great for a light meal or a big gathering. The right sides can make the meal even better.
Best Breads to Serve
A crusty bread is perfect with turkey noodle soup. Try these options:
- Buttery garlic bread
- Fluffy biscuits
- Crisp, toasted bruschetta
- Warm, homemade cornbread
Complementary Salads and Sides
For a complete meal, add a light salad or side dish. Here are some good choices:
- Crisp Caesar salad
- Tangy coleslaw
- Roasted vegetable medley
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered steamed broccoli
Ideal Beverages to Enjoy
Choose a drink that complements the soup. A crisp white wine or a craft beer works well. For something non-alcoholic, try iced tea or lemonade.
By picking the right sides and drinks, you can make your turkey noodle soup meal complete. Try different combinations to find what you like best.
Common Mistakes When Making Turkey Noodle Soup
Making turkey noodle soup can be a fun and rewarding task. But, even experienced cooks can make a few common mistakes. By avoiding these, you can make sure your turkey soup is always a hit.
Overcooking the Pasta
One big mistake is overcooking the pasta. This makes it mushy and unappealing. To avoid this, cook the noodles separately or add them late in the cooking process. This way, they cook just right in the broth.
Using Insufficient Seasoning
Not enough seasoning can make your turkey soup taste bland. Always taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as you go. Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs can greatly improve the flavor.
Neglecting to Skim the Fat
It’s important to skim the fat from the broth when making turkey noodle soup. If you don’t, the soup can be greasy and heavy. Remove any excess fat for a cleaner, tastier soup.
By steering clear of these turkey soup tips, cooking mistakes, and soup troubleshooting issues, you’ll create a delicious turkey noodle soup. Your family and friends will surely enjoy it.
Health Considerations for Turkey Noodle Soup
Enjoying turkey noodle soup can be healthy if you make a few changes. These tweaks help keep the soup tasty while improving its health benefits.
Making it Lower in Sodium
High sodium is a big concern with turkey noodle soup. Use low-sodium broth or make your own stock without salt. Also, cut down on soy sauce and other salty ingredients.
Gluten-Free Noodle Alternatives
If you’re gluten-free, skip the wheat noodles. Try rice noodles or quinoa pasta instead. They offer a similar texture without gluten.
Incorporating More Vegetables
Add more veggies to your turkey noodle soup. Kale, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers are great choices. They add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
With a few tweaks, you can make a healthy turkey soup that’s low in sodium and gluten-free. This way, the classic dish becomes a nutritious meal for everyone.
“Soup is not just food, it’s comfort.” – Diane Worthington
Quick and Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipes
As the weather cools, a warm turkey noodle soup is perfect. You don’t need to spend hours cooking it. Here are three easy recipes for a delicious bowl of soup.
30-Minute Turkey Soup Recipe
This 30-minute turkey soup is quick and tasty. Start by cooking 2 garlic cloves, 3 celery stalks, 2 medium carrots, and 1 small yellow onion in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once they’re tender, add 8 cups of turkey or chicken broth and 3 cups of cooked turkey meat.
Bring the soup to a simmer. Then, add 6 ounces of egg noodles and 1 cup of frozen corn. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the noodles are done. Serve hot and enjoy!
One-Pot Turkey Noodle Soup
This one-pot turkey noodle soup makes cleanup easy. Sauté the vegetables, then add the turkey, broth, and noodles. Let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
This recipe is great for busy nights or when you want a comforting soup without extra dishes.
Slow Cooker Turkey Noodle Soup
Try this slow cooker turkey noodle soup for a hands-off meal. Put the turkey, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in your crockpot. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles. Let them cook until done. This method lets the flavors blend beautifully, making a rich, satisfying soup.
Choose any of these quick and easy turkey noodle soup recipes for a delicious meal. Enjoy these quick turkey soup, easy soup recipes, and slow cooker turkey soup options for homemade goodness any night.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey noodle soup is a comforting dish perfect for any time of year. It’s especially great in the cold months or after a big holiday meal. This soup is not only tasty but also easy to make in large quantities.
When you’re hosting a party, serve the soup in mugs or small bowls. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy the soup while chatting and mingling.
Serving Suggestions for Gatherings
To highlight your turkey noodle soup at a gathering, offer a variety of toppings and sides. Create a “soup bar” where everyone can add their favorite toppings. Choose from Parmesan cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Pair the soup with crusty bread, a green salad, or a fruit compote. This makes for a complete and fulfilling meal.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Soup
Don’t waste leftover turkey noodle soup. Use it to make other tasty dishes. You can turn it into a casserole, mix it with rice or pasta, or blend it into a creamy soup.
Try serving the creamy soup over baked potatoes or toast. It’s a great way to enjoy the soup in a new way.
Encouraging Family Traditions with Soup
Make turkey noodle soup a family tradition. Involve your loved ones in cooking it, teaching them important skills. This can be a special annual event or a cozy winter favorite.
Preparing and sharing this soup together can bring your family closer. It creates memories and strengthens your bond.