This turkey potato soup is warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days! It combines tender turkey, creamy potatoes, and fresh veggies simmered together for a cozy meal.
I love to enjoy this soup with some crusty bread. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! Who doesn’t want that on a cold day? 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Use leftover turkey for this soup, especially after holidays. If you don’t have any, rotisserie chicken works well as a substitute.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite because they have a creamy texture. However, Russet potatoes are also great! If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try cauliflower or sweet potatoes instead.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk, which also gives a unique flavor. I often prefer coconut milk for extra creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
Broth: You can use store-bought turkey or chicken broth. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a great alternative, but it might change the flavor slightly.
How Can I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to tender vegetables is cutting them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. For this soup, aim for about the same size for your diced onions, celery, and carrots. This will help them all soften at the same time.
- Sauté the onions, celery, and carrots until they’re soft—about 5-7 minutes goes a long way!
- Be sure to add garlic just before the other ingredients, as it cooks quickly and can burn.
- Check the potatoes by piercing them with a fork – they should be soft but not mushy when done.
Turkey Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This is where all the wonderful flavors begin!
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just enough to let the garlic release its beautiful aroma without burning.
3. Mix in the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes, cooked turkey, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine those delicious ingredients.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the turkey or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add Peas:
If you’re using peas, add them now and cook for another 5 minutes. They add a nice touch of sweetness and color to the soup!
6. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf. Now, stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where the soup gets its creamy texture!
7. Let it Simmer:
Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve it up with some crusty bread for a complete and cozy meal!
This hearty turkey potato soup is comforting, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every warm bowl! 🥣✨
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or cube it before adding it to the pot—it’s a great way to use up holiday turkey!
Can I Substitute the Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Both will still give you that creamy texture without the heaviness.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Use vegetable broth and substitute the turkey with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. You can also add more beans or lentils for extra nutrition.
