Look no further; Turkey Pot Pie Soup is the perfect blend of cozy comfort food and an easy, simple way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a scrumptious meal.
With a rich and savory broth filled with tender turkey, vegetables, and a hint of creamy goodness, this pot pie soup recipe brings all the flavors you love without the fuss of making a traditional pot pie. The best part is, it’s effortless to make in just a few simple steps.
So, if you are ready to warm up your cold days with a satisfying soup that is sure to please your taste buds, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in the wonderful world of Turkey Pot Pie Soup. Your family and friends will thank you for it!
Primary Ingredients and Their Significance
Fresh vs Frozen Ingredients
In this Turkey Pot Pie Soup recipe, the use of fresh ingredients is highly recommended for the best results in terms of taste and nutrition. However, if you have some frozen vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and corn in your freezer, they will work as well. Although using fresh ingredients enhances the flavors of the soup, the convenience of frozen vegetables cannot be denied.
Fresh Ingredients
Onion
Garlic
Thyme
Carrots
Celery
Peas
Parsley
Green Beans
Potatoes
Frozen Ingredients
Frozen Peas
Frozen Green Beans
Frozen Corn
Frozen Carrots
Optional Additions and Substitutions
It’s worth noting that you have the flexibility to experiment with various options in terms of ingredients and substitutions for this soup. Here are some suggestions to tailor the recipe to meet your preferences or accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Keep in mind that the main idea is to repurpose your leftover turkey and incorporate it into a warm, hearty soup. Substituting turkey with shredded chicken is an option if you don’t have leftover turkey at your disposal.
For a vegetarian version of this soup, you can omit the turkey and bacon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Don’t hesitate to explore additional spices, fresh herbs, or other vegetables to make your Turkey Pot Pie Soup a unique creation.
Remember to always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, depending on your preferences. Enjoy customizing your soup to cater to your tastes and satisfy your comfort-food cravings.
Preparation and Cooking Method
Creating a Thick Base with Roux
Before diving into the actual soup preparation, it’s crucial to learn how to create a thick base using roux. Start by melting butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat on your stove. When the butter is melted and bubbly, slowly whisk in an equal amount of flour until a thick, smooth paste forms. This combination of flour and butter is called a roux, and it will help thicken your soup.
Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Your roux should achieve a light golden color. Now, slowly pour in your broth of choice while continuing to whisk, ensuring that no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. This will thicken your soup base and provide a perfect canvas for the flavors to meld.
Properly Cooking the Turkey
When preparing your Turkey Pot Pie Soup, it’s important to pay attention to how the turkey is cooked. Overcooking the turkey can result in dry and tough meat, while correctly cooked turkey should be moist and fork-tender. To accomplish this, use a soup pot or large Dutch oven to sauté the turkey pieces in a small amount of olive oil over medium heat, just until they are lightly browned on all sides.
For a deeper and more robust flavor, consider using a turkey carcass instead of pre-diced turkey meat. Add the carcass to your soup base, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 45 minutes to an hour. This will help extract the rich flavors from the bones and result in tender, succulent turkey pieces.
If you prefer to use an Instant Pot or slow cooker, simply add your sautéed turkey and other ingredients to the pot, select the appropriate setting, and let the appliance do the work for you. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the turkey may take longer to reach that perfectly tender state when cooked using these methods.
Throughout the cooking process, don’t forget to season your soup with black pepper and any other desired spices to enhance its flavor profile. And most importantly, always keep an eye on the turkey during the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll have a delicious and comforting Turkey Pot Pie Soup that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Serving and Storage Recommendations
When you’ve successfully prepared your delicious Turkey Pot Pie Soup, it’s time to serve it to your family. To enhance the flavor, consider adding some Italian seasoning or other dried herbs. This elevates the taste, making it richer and more satisfying for your guests. Don’t forget to have a cutting board ready for any additional shredded turkey you’d like to add to the soup.
To serve your soup, remember that presentation matters. Choose appropriate bowls that complement your Thanksgiving table setting. Keep in mind that while the soup is easy to make, taking care when serving adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
If you have leftovers after your Thanksgiving feast, no worries! Turkey Pot Pie Soup is perfect for repurposing those tasty morsels. Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You could also freeze it for longer storage, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready whenever you crave that signature turkey flavor.
When reheating the soup, take care to reheat it gently to preserve its texture and moisture. Reheating on the stovetop over low heat is an excellent method for retaining the soup’s quality. If you find the soup has thickened during storage, feel free to add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Why not make the most of your leftovers by creating a Turkey Pot Pie Soup sandwich? Puff pastry is an excellent choice for a versatile and delightful meal. Simply scoop your reheated soup onto a slice of the pastry, top with another slice, and enjoy the warmth of a heartwarming meal in your hands.
In summary, enjoy your Turkey Pot Pie Soup with confidence by following these serving and storage recommendations. Your family will appreciate the care you take in preparing this delightful dish, and you’ll ensure that no leftovers go to waste. Happy Thanksgiving!
Creating a Perfect Pie Crust Accompaniment
In order to elevate your Turkey Pot Pie Soup experience, a perfect pie crust accompaniment can add a delightful crunch and flavor. Instead of the traditional bread or crackers, you can create simple yet flavorful pie crust crackers using leftover pie crust dough or even store-bought pie crusts. These crackers are an exceptional pairing for your chicken pot pie soup or other pot pie variations.
Start by laying out your pie crust dough on a flat surface. If you are using store-bought dough, ensure that it is at room temperature before handling for smoother rolling. Roll the dough to about a quarter of an inch thickness, making sure it’s even throughout. To enhance the flavors and texture of the crackers, you can lightly sprinkle them with kosher salt before baking.
Next, cut the dough into small, desirable shapes using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter. This will make it easier for you to dunk the crackers into your delicious pot pie soup. Place the cut pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow for adequate cooking and crisping.
Here’s a quick overview of how to achieve the perfect pie crust accompaniment:
Lay out and roll your pie crust dough to a uniform thickness
Lightly sprinkle the dough with kosher salt
Cut the dough into small pieces of desired shapes
Transfer the pieces onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them
Bake the pie crust crackers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool slightly before serving alongside your comforting and flavorful Turkey Pot Pie Soup. The buttery, flaky texture of the pie crust crackers will provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy and rich soup.
By incorporating a homemade pie crust accompaniment, you not only utilize any leftover dough you might have but also bring an added depth of flavor and texture to your pot pie soup experience. So, go ahead and indulge in this delightful pairing that sets your dish apart from the usual soup accompaniments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients in Turkey Pot Pie Soup?
The key ingredients in Turkey Pot Pie Soup are cooked turkey, a mix of vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and onions), broth, and a blend of herbs and spices. Additionally, either a pie crust or biscuits may be added to create a more traditional pot pie texture.
What are some healthy alternatives for making Turkey Pot Pie Soup?
To make a healthier version of Turkey Pot Pie Soup, you can replace heavy cream with a lower-fat milk, use whole wheat flour for thickening, and increase the vegetable content. If using a crust or biscuits, choose whole wheat or grain-free options for a healthier alternative.
How to make Turkey Pot Pie Soup with biscuits?
To make Turkey Pot Pie Soup with biscuits, prepare the soup as you normally would and preheat your oven according to the biscuit recipe. When the soup is ready, transfer it to an oven-safe dish. Place the biscuit dough on top of the soup, leaving some space between each biscuit. Bake the dish according to the biscuit recipe’s instructions, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
Can I use smoked turkey in Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, you can use smoked turkey in Pot Pie Soup. Smoked turkey will add a deeper, smoky flavor to the dish. Just keep in mind that smoked turkey is usually saltier, so you may need to reduce the amount of salt you add to the soup.
How to adapt the recipe for Instant Pot?
To adapt Turkey Pot Pie Soup for the Instant Pot, start by sautéing the vegetables in the Instant Pot on the Sauté mode. Add the cooked turkey, herbs, and spices, followed by the broth. Lock the lid in place and set to Pressure Cook mode on high for 5-7 minutes. Release the pressure manually, then add the creamy base and any additional vegetables like peas. Cook on Sauté mode for a few more minutes, stirring regularly, until the soup thickens.
Is there a Paleo version of Turkey Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, you can make a Paleo version of Turkey Pot Pie Soup by using almond or coconut milk instead of dairy, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for thickening, and selecting a Paleo-friendly crust or biscuit recipe if desired. Be sure to use almond or coconut flour for the crust or biscuits to keep them grain-free, and ensure any additional ingredients align with your Paleo dietary requirements.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
