Are you ready for some cozy, heartwarming recipes? As the winter chill sets in and we don our winter cardigans, it’s time to indulge in comforting soups, stews, and casseroles. And what better way to make use of leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas than by whipping up a delicious, creamy leftover turkey soup?

Let’s get started by prepping our vegetables. Begin with one onion, peeling and slicing it into fine slices. Next, grab two garlic cloves and peel them. A neat trick to easily peel garlic is to press the knife into the cloves, making it a breeze to remove the skin. Slice the garlic finely and set it aside.

Moving on to the carrots, choose three small ones for their delicate flavor. Peel and chop them into different shapes to add visual appeal to your soup. Now, let’s prepare the celery by removing the ends and either slicing or cubing it.

Don’t forget the mushrooms! Slice them to your desired thickness and set them aside separately as they cook quickly.

In a pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and all the vegetables except for the mushrooms. Keep the heat on medium-low to soften the vegetables and bring out their flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the onions have a hint of color, it’s time to add the mushrooms. Cover the pot and let the mixture cook for a few minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Next, toss in the rice and pour in your turkey broth or chicken broth. If you don’t have homemade broth, store-bought works perfectly fine. If you prefer a thicker soup, add less water; if you like it more brothy, add a bit more. Simmer the soup for about 10 minutes to allow the rice to cook.

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the shredded turkey. You can use leftover turkey meat from any part of the bird. Shred it and add it to the pot along with canned white beans that have been rinsed under cold water.

While the soup simmers, let’s prepare the creamy white sauce. Melt butter in a separate pan and add flour, whisking continuously for about two minutes. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Heat the mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce.

Once the sauce is ready, add it to the soup and mix well. This creamy addition brings a delightful richness to the dish. Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the soup for a few more minutes. Check for seasoning, adding a pinch of black pepper if desired.

There you have it—a creamy leftover turkey soup that will warm your soul on those chilly winter nights. By prepping the vegetables beforehand, you save time and make the cooking process more enjoyable. If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover turkey after the holidays, this soup is a must-try. Creamy, delicious, and easy to make, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to soups.

Enjoy this tasty, comforting dish and make the most of your leftover turkey. If you found this recipe helpful, be sure to show it some love with a thumbs-up. And if you’re new here, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more delicious recipes. Happy holidays and happy cooking!