This comforting Turkey Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s filled with tender turkey, creamy potatoes, and fresh veggies, perfect for chilly days.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Grab some bread to dip, and you’ll be smiling with each spoonful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Using leftover turkey makes this soup quick and easy. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken works just as well. For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with beans or lentils.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture, but Russet potatoes are also a good choice. If you prefer low-carb, try cauliflower instead; it blends nicely into soups!
Broth: Turkey broth enhances the flavor, but chicken broth is a great substitute. Vegetable broth keeps it light for a vegetarian version. Homemade or store-bought works fine!
Onions and Garlic: These are essential for building flavor! In a pinch, you can use garlic powder and onion powder, but fresh gives a better taste. Chives can add a nice touch too!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Soup Ingredients?
Building a great soup starts with sautéing your aromatics. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat and add olive oil or butter in a large pot.
- Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s transparent (about 5 minutes).
- Next, add minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Add your carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes. This step layers flavors and gives your soup depth.
This simple technique makes a world of difference in taste. It helps to maximize the flavors before adding your main ingredients, resulting in a delicious soup. Enjoy your cooking!
Turkey Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 6 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Turkey Potato Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in about 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until it becomes fragrant. This initial step builds a fantastic base for your soup!
2. Add More Veggies:
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these together for about 5 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally. This will soften the veggies just a bit and enhance their flavors.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes and pour in the turkey broth. Turn up the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Turkey and Seasonings:
Stir in the cooked turkey, dried thyme, dried parsley, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together nicely.
6. Final Touches:
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes so that all the flavors come together. If you like your soup creamy, stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, and enjoy every warm bite!
This hearty soup packs tender chunks of turkey and soft potatoes in a delicious, herbed broth. It’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced and tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer for added creaminess.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth. You can add more hearty vegetables or even chickpeas for protein!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes! Store leftover Turkey Potato Soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
