EASY TURKEY SOUP

EASY TURKEY SOUP is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Downshiftology on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $14.34 total, $3.58 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 medium Carrots (sliced)
  • 2 ribs Celery (sliced)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and diced bite‑size)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (remove stems before serving)
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
  • 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken or Turkey Broth (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 cups Cooked Turkey (shredded or diced, skin removed)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prep Mirepoix

    Slice the three medium carrots, two ribs of celery, and one medium onion. Set aside in a bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Potatoes

    Peel and dice the two medium potatoes into bite‑size cubes. Set aside in a separate bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sauté Vegetables

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and onion. Saute for 4–5 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add Aromatics

    Stir in the minced garlic, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp ground black pepper. Cook for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Potatoes and Broth

    Add the diced potatoes, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 5 cups low‑sodium broth, and 1 cup water. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Bring to Boil and Simmer

    Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: low

  7. Add Turkey

    Stir in the 3 cups shredded cooked turkey. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the meat is warmed through.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low

  8. Finish and Serve

    Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Fat, High-Protein, Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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EASY TURKEY SOUP

Recipe by Downshiftology

A quick, one‑pot soup that transforms Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a light, comforting meal. With a classic mirepoix base, tender potatoes, and fresh herbs, this soup is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal‑prep.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.34
Total cost
$3.58
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté mirepoix until softened (Step 3).
  • Simmer until potatoes are fork‑tender (Step 6).
  • Add turkey at the end to avoid overcooking (Step 7).

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when lifting the pot lid after simmering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of turkey soup in American Thanksgiving traditions?

A

Turkey soup is a classic way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, turning the holiday's centerpiece into a comforting, frugal dish that stretches the celebration into the post‑holiday weeks.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of turkey soup in the United States?

A

In the South, turkey soup often includes okra or collard greens; in the Midwest, dumplings may be added; while West Coast versions might feature fresh herbs like cilantro or lime for a brighter profile.

cultural
Q

How is turkey soup traditionally served in American households after the holidays?

A

It is usually served hot in a bowl with crusty bread or a simple side salad, often as a light lunch or dinner to balance richer holiday meals.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is turkey soup associated with in American culture?

A

Beyond post‑Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey soup is popular during the winter months, cold rainy days, and as a comforting meal during holiday travel or family gatherings.

cultural
Q

How does turkey soup fit into the broader American comfort‑food cuisine?

A

It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of using leftovers creatively, emphasizing simplicity, warmth, and nourishment while showcasing classic flavor bases like mirepoix.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American turkey soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include leftover turkey, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and low‑sodium broth. Substitutes can be chicken broth, sweet potatoes, or dried thyme if fresh isn’t on hand.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with turkey soup?

A

Serve with a side of cornbread, a simple mixed green salad, or a grain‑based side like wild rice pilaf to round out the meal.

cultural
Q

What makes this turkey soup special or unique in American cuisine?

A

Its focus on minimal ingredients, quick one‑pot preparation, and the use of fresh herbs like parsley give it a bright, clean flavor that stands out from richer, cream‑based soups.

cultural
Q

How has leftover turkey soup evolved over time in American home cooking?

A

Originally a frugal way to stretch holiday meat, modern versions incorporate healthier broth choices, fresh herbs, and often lean toward low‑sodium and meal‑prep friendly methods, as shown by Downshiftology’s recipe.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about turkey soup?

A

Many think turkey soup must be heavy and creamy; however, a light broth with vegetables and fresh herbs creates a low‑fat, refreshing soup that’s perfect for winter.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making turkey soup from the YouTube channel Downshiftology?

A

Overcooking the turkey, under‑seasoning the broth, and not simmering the potatoes long enough are frequent errors. Add turkey only at the end and taste the broth before serving.

technical
Q

How do I know when the potatoes are done in the turkey soup from Downshiftology’s recipe?

A

Insert a fork into a potato cube; it should slide in easily without the potato falling apart. This indicates the potatoes are fork‑tender and ready.

technical
Q

Can I make the turkey soup ahead of time and how should I store it according to the YouTube channel Downshiftology?

A

Yes, the soup stores well in airtight containers for 4–5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Downshiftology specialize in?

A

Downshiftology, hosted by Lisa, specializes in wholesome, whole‑food recipes that focus on clean eating, meal‑prep efficiency, and balanced nutrition for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Downshiftology?

A

The channel emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven dishes, minimal waste, and health‑focused cooking, often using leftover ingredients and offering tips for meal‑prepping and batch cooking.

channel

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