Delia Smith’s Turkey Soup is a comforting and flavorful way to use up leftover turkey after a festive feast. Packed with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a fragrant stock, this soup is both nourishing and delicious. Perfect for cozy meals, it’s a timeless recipe that’s easy to prepare and a great way to minimize food waste.
What is Delia Smith’s Turkey Soup?
Delia Smith’s Turkey Soup combines leftover turkey meat and bones with vegetables, herbs, and a rich stock to create a warming and flavorful soup. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for making the most of your holiday leftovers.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Uses Leftovers: A delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey.
- Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Comforting: Perfect for chilly days.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients with a big flavor payoff.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Turkey Soup
For the Stock
- Turkey Carcass (1): Provides a rich, flavorful base.
- Onion (1, halved): Adds depth to the stock.
- Carrot (1, roughly chopped): For sweetness.
- Celery (1 stalk, roughly chopped): Adds flavor.
- Bay Leaf (1): For aroma.
- Fresh Thyme (2-3 sprigs): Optional, for herbal notes.
- Black Peppercorns (1 tsp): Adds mild spice.
- Water (1.5 liters): To simmer the stock.
For the Soup
- Cooked Turkey (300g, shredded): The star ingredient.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor.
- Carrot (1, diced): Provides color and texture.
- Leek (1, sliced): Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Potatoes (2 medium, diced): For heartiness.
- Butter or Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Turkey Soup
Step 1: Make the stock
Place the turkey carcass, onion halves, carrot, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface. Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and leek. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
Step 3: Add the stock and potatoes
Pour the strained turkey stock into the pot and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the turkey
Stir in the shredded cooked turkey and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the turkey through.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove the pot from the heat and garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Turkey Soup
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the soup.
- Buttered Rolls: A comforting side.
- Green Salad: Adds freshness and balance.
- Cheese Platter: Complements the flavors of the soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: A hearty pairing.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Turkey Soup
- Don’t Skip the Stock: Homemade stock is the key to a rich, flavorful soup.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the taste.
- Add Grains: Stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier soup.
- Store Properly: Cool the soup before refrigerating or freezing to maintain freshness.
- Serve Hot: This soup is best enjoyed warm to highlight its comforting flavors.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Turkey Soup
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or milk for a richer texture.
- Spicy Twist: Include chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with beans or lentils and use vegetable stock.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh rosemary, sage, or dill for a different herbal profile.
- Asian-Inspired: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and noodles for a fusion twist.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Turkey Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Turkey Soup is a classic recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s a wonderful way to transform leftovers into a flavorful, nourishing dish. Perfect for cold days, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it with family and friends for a wholesome and satisfying meal!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Delia Smith Turkey Soup
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Turkey Soup combines leftover turkey meat and bones with vegetables, herbs, and a rich stock to create a warming and flavorful soup. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for making the most of your holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Stock
- Turkey Carcass (1): Provides a rich, flavorful base.
- Onion (1, halved): Adds depth to the stock.
- Carrot (1, roughly chopped): For sweetness.
- Celery (1 stalk, roughly chopped): Adds flavor.
- Bay Leaf (1): For aroma.
- Fresh Thyme (2-3 sprigs): Optional, for herbal notes.
- Black Peppercorns (1 tsp): Adds mild spice.
- Water (1.5 liters): To simmer the stock.
For the Soup
- Cooked Turkey (300g, shredded): The star ingredient.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor.
- Carrot (1, diced): Provides color and texture.
- Leek (1, sliced): Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Potatoes (2 medium, diced): For heartiness.
- Butter or Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the stock
Place the turkey carcass, onion halves, carrot, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface. Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and leek. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
Step 3: Add the stock and potatoes
Pour the strained turkey stock into the pot and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the turkey
Stir in the shredded cooked turkey and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the turkey through.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove the pot from the heat and garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
