If you’re looking to transform your holiday leftovers into something warm, comforting, and downright delicious, this Leftover Turkey Soup with Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender turkey swimming in a fragrant broth enriched with fresh thyme, bay leaves, and the delightful bite of giant couscous. It’s not just soup; it’s a soul-soothing bowl of goodness that brings new life to your cooked turkey, making every spoonful feel like a cozy culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple but every ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the sweetness of carrots and celery to the aromatic herbs and the satisfying chew of couscous, each element is an essential player in this tasty symphony.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing the veggies to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Introduces a silky texture and depth of flavor during the sautéing process.
- Onion (1, or 2 shallots): Provides a sweet and savory base that melds beautifully with the herbs.
- Large carrot (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Stalks of celery (2): Lends a refreshing crunch and earthy undertone when cooked down.
- Garlic clove (1): Imparts a wonderful aromatic punch that completes the flavor profile.
- Fresh thyme (4 sprigs or 1/2 tsp dried thyme): Brings an herby, pine-like fragrance that lifts the entire dish.
- Bay leaves (2): Infuse a subtle depth and complexity, perfect for slow-cooked broths.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every taste note.
- Chopped parsley (1 tbsp): A fresh herb garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness at the end.
- Turkey or chicken stock (6 cups): The soul of the soup, delivering rich, savory goodness as a base.
- Cooked turkey or chicken (2 cups): Leftover meat that adds hearty protein and incredible flavor.
- Giant or pearl couscous (1/2 cup): Provides a satisfying texture that soaks up the broth beautifully.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup with Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by gently sautéing the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic in olive oil and butter. Keep the heat low so that the vegetables soften slowly without browning. This step is crucial because it mellows their flavors and creates a rich aromatic base that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 2: Add Stock, Turkey, and Herbs
Next, pour in the turkey or chicken stock along with your diced leftover turkey. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simmering step allows the turkey flavors and herbs to gently meld with the broth, building complexity and warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Couscous
Stir in your giant or pearl couscous and adjust the heat to medium. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the couscous is tender but still has a little bite. Couscous is a fantastic addition here—it swells with flavor and offers a lovely contrast to the soft turkey pieces and vegetables.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Remove the soup from the heat, discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then stir in chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal brightness that elevates the whole dish. Serve your soup hot for an instant mood lifter that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup with Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond parsley, you can sprinkle freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also add a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness, making every spoonful pop with vibrant zest.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up the savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables would round out the meal while keeping things balanced and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or garnish with toasted nuts or crispy fried herbs like sage for an added texture surprise. Layering textures and colors when plating makes the experience feel even more inviting and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness, and be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep the texture of couscous just right.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Couscous can absorb a bit of liquid during freezing and thawing, so if you like, cook the couscous fresh just before serving for the best texture. Otherwise, frozen soup can be reheated gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Reheating
Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra stock or water if needed to restore the perfect consistency. Reheat just until hot to keep the turkey tender and the flavors bright.
FAQs
Can I use other types of couscous for this soup?
Absolutely! Giant or pearl couscous is preferred for its chewy texture, but regular couscous or even small pasta like orzo works fine. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Is this soup suitable for freezing and later meals?
Yes, it freezes well, but couscous can change texture when frozen. To keep the soup at its best, you might cook the couscous fresh before serving after thawing.
Can I substitute turkey with chicken?
Definitely! This Leftover Turkey Soup with Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe works beautifully with leftover chicken too. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting bowl when turkey isn’t on hand.
How can I make this soup more hearty?
Add extra vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms along with the original veggies. You could also toss in some beans or lentils for added protein and fiber.
What fresh herbs work best besides parsley and thyme?
Herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon complement turkey wonderfully. Just be careful with strong herbs—start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Turkey Soup with Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe is truly a celebration of cozy comfort food that is both nourishing and simple to prepare. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to turn leftover turkey into something spectacular with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try and find just as much joy in each warm, herb-infused spoonful as I do.
Print
Leftover Turkey Soup with Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Leftover Turkey Soup transforms leftover turkey into a hearty, flavorful meal. Featuring a medley of sautéed vegetables, tender turkey, aromatic herbs, and pearl couscous simmered in rich turkey stock, this soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days or using up holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion (or 2 shallots), chopped
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 6 cups turkey or chicken stock
- 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup giant/pearl couscous
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter over low heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook gently for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned, which brings out their natural sweetness and forms the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Stock and Turkey: Pour in the turkey or chicken stock along with the cooked turkey and bay leaves. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring the soup is well balanced.
- Cook Couscous: Stir in the pearl couscous, reduce heat to medium, and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Cook until the couscous is tender and has absorbed some of the flavorful broth, enhancing the soup’s heartiness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat, discard bay leaves and thyme stems if using fresh. Stir in the chopped parsley for freshness and garnish. Serve the soup hot for a warming, nourishing meal.
Notes
- Using pearl couscous adds a delightful texture and cooks quickly, but regular small pasta or rice can be substituted.
- Leftover turkey can be replaced with leftover chicken or even ham for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute couscous with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
- The soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust seasoning at the end, especially after adding stock and meat, to ensure perfect flavor balance.
