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I get so excited when holiday leftovers magically turn into something brand new. After the celebrations, this Turkey Soup is what I'm always craving. The mix of juicy turkey, lots of fresh veggies, and herbs instantly reminds me of time spent in my grandma’s kitchen. I toss in pearl couscous to make it feel really special, and let me tell you, this bowl totally chases away any winter blues.
Cozy Family Friendly Soup
So, wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey? Whipping up this soup is a breeze, and it packs a ton of flavor. I go heavy on the fresh herbs and homemade stock when possible, but nobody’s judging if you grab store-bought. The big surprise is the pearl couscous—my kids are always begging for more. You can prep it in advance, which is a lifesaver for hectic weeks.
Kitchen Essentials List
- Main Protein: Leftover turkey is just right, but rotisserie chicken works if that's what you've got.
- Vegetable Base: Onions, celery, carrots, and throw in any stray roasted veggies from the fridge.
- Liquid: Turkey stock or chicken stock are both great, and using bouillon is totally fine too.
- Fresh Add-Ins: Garlic, parsley, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme—your kitchen will smell amazing.
- The Fun Bit: Israeli couscous gives a cool bite, but pasta or rice is good if that's what you have.
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Simple Steps to Make This
- First Do the Couscous
- Let the pearl couscous cook away for about 10 minutes until it’s just done.
- Put Everything Together
- Bubbling stock goes in next with garlic, turkey, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Start With Heat
- Warm up butter with oil in a big pot, then toss in your carrots, celery, and onions until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Finish it Off
- Snag out those bay leaves, scatter in fresh herbs, and pair it with something good and crusty.
My Top Tasty Soup Tips
Here’s why this soup hits different: taking time to make your own stock goes a long way. Sauté veggies in butter for that extra cozy flavor. Need it gluten-free? Just sub in cooked rice instead of couscous. Got odds and ends from roasted veggies? Chuck them in! Only warm it up one time to keep it tasting awesome. Stash leftovers in the fridge for around 3 to 4 days, or freeze them for up to three months.
Serving it Up the Best Way
This soup is on a whole new level with a crunchy slice of bread or homemade garlic cheese toast. Grab your favorite type of bread, rub it with garlic, add some cheese, then broil until it’s perfectly bubbly and toasty. It’s honestly the best sidekick for a warm at-home dinner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Would regular couscous work instead of pearl couscous?
You can use regular couscous, but it cooks faster and won't have the same chewy bite. Adjust the cooking time to about 5 minutes and expect a more delicate texture.
- → How long can I store this soup in the fridge?
This soup keeps well for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen by the next day.
- → Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely first. When you reheat, add more broth since couscous will soak up the liquid.
- → What if I don't have fresh herbs handy?
Dried herbs are fine to use! Replace fresh thyme with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. For parsley, go with 1 teaspoon dried instead of fresh.
- → Can I toss in different veggies?
Go for it! Add peas, corn, beans, or whatever veggies you have around. Just make sure they go in at the right time to avoid overcooking.