Leftover Turkey Broccoli Soup with Stuffing Croutons
Try this Leftover Turkey Broccoli Soup with Stuffing Croutons recipe
Try this Leftover Turkey Broccoli Soup with Stuffing Croutons recipe
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- 1 large sweet white onion diced
- 2 large stalks of celery chopped
- 5-6 c broccoli and cauliflower stems chopped
- 6-8 c broccoli and cauliflower florets chopped in to bite sized pieces
- 8 c homemade turkey broth or chicken broth** see note
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 1/2 tsp fresh leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves minced
- 4-5 c shredded leftover turkey meat (i used all dark mea
- 3/4 c half n half
- 1 cup shredded asiago or parmesan
- juice of 1/2 a lemon or 1-2 tsp apple cider vinega
- 2 c leftover turkey stuffing.
- Carbohydrate 0.48883083333455 g
- Cholesterol 10.1677083376937 mg
- Fat 4.48251041855285 g
- Fiber 0.253183329582214 g
- Protein 0.107839583350572 g
- Saturated Fat 2.54526266774175 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 (6g)
- Sodium 39.7106788311309 mg
- Sugar 0.235647503752336 g
- Trans Fat 0.299894083455019 g
- Calories 41 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add onion and celery along with a heavy pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until onion and celery are soft, 5-7 minutes.
- Add thyme, rosemary, garlic, bay leaf and another heavy pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli and broccoli stems and turkey or chicken broth. Cover, bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the stems are soft.
- Once soft, remove the bay leaf and, working in batches, blend the soup carefully in a blender (taking care not to burn yourself) until completely smooth.
- Return soup to the pot and add remaining broccoli and cauliflower, turkey and, if your broth is not salted, add an extra few heavy pinches of salt.
- Bring back to a boil then immediately reduce the heat on the stove to low. Simmer the soup until the florets are soft but still retain some chew, about 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, break your leftover stuffing up into small cubes and place on a baking sheet. Turn on your broiler and place the baking sheet on the upper 3rd rack of your oven.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes while keeping a very close eye on your croutons (some broilers are hotter than others) then, when crispy, carefully turn each crouton over and continue to broil for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest on the baking sheet and set aside.
- When the broccoli and cauliflower are done, remove the pot from heat, stir in cream, cheese, honey and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese is melted.
- Taste, adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve soup warm with as many croutons as you would like on top and extra cheese.
A Cozy Bowl of Comfort: Leftover Turkey Broccoli Soup
As a busy mom, time is always of the essence. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the family fed, there's little room for elaborate cooking projects. That's why I adore recipes that cleverly transform leftovers into something entirely new and delicious. This Leftover Turkey Broccoli Soup is a perfect example – a warm, comforting hug in a bowl that magically uses up those leftover Thanksgiving turkey scraps. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!
This recipe isn't just about practicality, it’s about maximizing flavor and minimizing waste. I discovered this recipe almost accidentally – a last-minute attempt to use up some leftover turkey and a mountain of broccoli. What resulted was a surprisingly rich and creamy soup, full of heartwarming flavors. The addition of stuffing croutons adds a delightful textural crunch, creating a soup that's both satisfying and exciting.
The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Don't have asiago cheese? Parmesan works perfectly too! Prefer a spicier kick? A dash of cayenne pepper would do the trick. The recipe is your playground; let your creativity flow. I often experiment with different herbs and spices, adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a more nuanced flavor profile. The soup is equally delicious with chicken broth, making it a versatile option for any weeknight meal.
The stuffing croutons are the star of the show. Their crispy texture provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy soup. I love the idea of turning simple leftover stuffing into something so unique. It’s a small detail that elevates the entire dish and prevents any precious stuffing from going to waste. It’s a small step in my commitment to reduce food waste and make the most out of the ingredients I buy.
Beyond its culinary appeal, this soup is a testament to resourcefulness. It's a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of creativity. It's a practice I value not only in the kitchen, but in life in general. The ability to repurpose and transform – to find beauty in the everyday – is an invaluable skill that I cherish.
Making this soup is a moment of mindful cooking for me. The chopping of vegetables, the blending of the broth, the careful broiling of the croutons – each step is a small act of self-care. It's a chance to disconnect from the demands of the day and reconnect with the simple pleasure of creating something delicious. This act of making something nurturing and delicious from leftovers has become a comforting ritual in my busy life, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small joys, like a warm bowl of soup on a cold evening.
The aroma alone is enough to fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort. The velvety texture of the soup, coupled with the delightful crunch of the stuffing croutons, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. It's a recipe that speaks to my love of simple, wholesome food that is both satisfying and delightful. More than just a meal, it's an experience – an invitation to savor the moment and appreciate the beauty of transforming everyday leftovers into a culinary masterpiece. It's a recipe I'm eager to share and a testament to the power of resourceful cooking. And let me tell you, after a long day, there’s nothing more comforting than a big, warm bowl of this soup.
Beyond the Recipe: This soup isn't just about the recipe itself; it's about the philosophy of conscious cooking and mindful living. It encourages us to think outside the box, embrace leftovers, and appreciate the simple joys in life. From the mindful process of cooking to the warm embrace of the finished product, this soup is a recipe for both culinary success and a moment of personal reflection. Enjoy!
