This Turkey Potato Soup is a warm and comforting bowl filled with tender turkey, creamy potatoes, and tasty veggies. Perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, nothing beats a big scoop of this soup on a cold evening. It warms you right up, and it’s even better the next day! I like to pair it with some crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Cooked turkey breast is essential for this soup. Feel free to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or even rotisserie chicken if turkey isn’t on hand.
Potatoes: I recommend russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for their creaminess. However, if you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower works nicely as a substitute.
Milk/Cream: While cream adds richness, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk to lighten it up. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or a plant-based milk. Just be aware it might slightly alter the flavor!
Broth: Turkey broth is great for flavor, but chicken broth can easily be swapped in. If you want to keep it vegetarian, vegetable broth works, too!
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup is Creamy Without Curdling?
One common struggle with creamy soups is curdling, especially when adding milk or cream. Here are some steps to keep your soup smooth:
- Heat the soup but don’t let it reach a rapid boil after adding the milk or cream.
- Consider adding a little bit of the hot soup into the milk or cream before mixing it back into the pot. This tempers the dairy and helps it blend smoothly.
- Keep stirring gently while heating to ensure even temperature throughout.
Following these tips should help achieve that creamy, comforting texture in your Turkey Potato Soup!
Turkey Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced or shredded
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Turkey Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So you’re looking at around 40 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma! This will improve the flavor of the soup.
3. Cook the Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth. Make sure to do this slowly to avoid lumps, stirring as you go.
5. Add the Potatoes and Herbs:
Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and parsley. Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become tender.
6. Combine Turkey and Cream:
Now, stir in the cooked turkey pieces. Pour in the milk or cream, and gently heat everything through—be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
7. Season:
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking!
8. Serve:
Serve your hot, comforting soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs if you like. Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty meal!
This Turkey Potato Soup is a perfect dish for those cooler days, filling and packed with flavor. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this soup. Just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces, and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
How Can I Make This Soup Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after they’ve cooked, which will naturally thicken the broth. Alternatively, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with a bit of water and stir it in while the soup simmers.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Definitely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What Can I Serve with Turkey Potato Soup?
This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread, a side salad, or a light sandwich. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it over rice or pasta for an additional twist!