The best part about Thanksgiving? The delicious food, of course! But what happens when the feast is over, and you’re left with containers of turkey, rice, and veggies? That’s where this Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Soup comes to the rescue!
It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for those chilly days when you just want to snuggle up with a bowl of something hearty. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up those leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal all over again. Let’s dive in!
Method
Sauté the Veggies
To begin, place a large soup pot over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, then toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Stir the vegetables occasionally as they cook, ensuring they soften evenly. After about 3-4 minutes, add the minced garlic, which will release a wonderful aroma. Continue to stir everything together for another minute or two, making sure the garlic does not burn. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup and enhances the overall taste of the broth.
Simmer the Broth
Once the vegetables have softened and released their flavors, pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, and then add the cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and creates a rich, fragrant broth that will infuse every bite of the soup with warmth and depth.
Add the Leftovers
After the broth has had time to develop its flavor, it’s time to incorporate the Thanksgiving leftovers. Add the shredded turkey, cooked rice, and peas (or corn) into the pot. Stir everything together so that the ingredients are evenly distributed. At this stage, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens the soup and balances out the richness, while the parsley adds a fresh, herby touch. Allow the soup to come back to a gentle boil and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients are well-heated and combined.
Serve & Enjoy
Once the soup is fully cooked, turn off the heat and get ready to serve. Use a ladle to scoop generous portions into bowls while it’s still steaming hot. If you’d like, garnish each bowl with a little extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a slice of warm crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete and satisfying meal. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty, post-Thanksgiving soup!
Necessary Tools
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Soup
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1 cup shredded turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup cooked peas or corn
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large carrot, diced
2 minced garlic cloves
7-8 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp butter
1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Sauté the veggies: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Add the leftovers: Stir in the shredded turkey, cooked rice, peas (or corn), lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Bring everything to a gentle boil and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve & enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Garnish with extra parsley if you like, and enjoy your warm, cozy bowl of goodness!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the rice! Since it’s already cooked, adding it too early can make it mushy. Stir it in towards the end.
- Taste as you go. Depending on the saltiness of your broth, you may need to adjust the seasoning.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can be too acidic and overpowering. Fresh is always best!
- Watch the cinnamon. If using ground cinnamon, start with a small amount and add more if needed a little goes a long way!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
- Pair with a light side salad if you want a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
Fun Fact
Did you know that cinnamon in soup might sound unusual, but it’s been used for centuries in savory dishes? It adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, making this soup extra special!
Conclusion
Turning Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and delicious is a win-win! This Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a fresh and comforting way. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and full of nourishing ingredients.
So the next time you find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers, grab a pot and give this soup a try. It just might become your new post-Thanksgiving tradition!
