Savory Turkey and Barley Soup
Warm and hearty, this Savory Turkey and Barley Soup is a delightful way to make use of leftover turkey and turn it into a comforting meal. Infused with the rich flavors of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup is thickened with wholesome barley for a nutritious touch. Using my amazing Rescued Turkey Stock (#24576) elevates this dish to the next level, ensuring every spoonful bursts with flavor. Perfect for cold days, this recipe also freezes beautifully, making it a convenient choice for meal prep.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canola oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (peeled and diced)
Carrots
2 (scraped and sliced)
Celery ribs
2 (sliced)
Button mushrooms
4 (cups sliced)
Dried thyme
1 (teaspoon)
Turkey broth
6-8 (cups (preferably Rescued Turkey Stock #24576))
Tomato paste
2 (tablespoons)
Barley
1/4 (cup)
Red wine vinegar
2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Cooked turkey meat
2 (cups chopped (ensure all bones are removed))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the canola oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and button mushrooms until they are softened and fragrant, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the vegetables as they cook.
2
In a large pot, pour in the turkey broth (if you have less than 8 cups, add enough water to reach this amount) and whisk in the tomato paste until fully blended.
3
Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the broth. Increase the heat to high.
4
Once the soup reaches a rolling boil, stir in the barley, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
5
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the soup to simmer for about 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and fully cooked.
6
Finally, add in the chopped cooked turkey meat, stirring to combine, and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey and Barley Soup?
It is a warm, hearty, and comforting soup made with leftover turkey, sautéed vegetables, and wholesome barley.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a delightful way to make use of leftover cooked turkey meat.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms should be sautéed for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe recommends using Rescued Turkey Stock (#24576) to elevate the dish to the next level.
How much turkey broth do I need?
You will need between 6 to 8 cups of turkey broth.
What if I have less than 8 cups of broth?
If you have less than 8 cups of broth, simply add enough water to reach that total amount.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
How much cooked turkey meat is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped cooked turkey meat with all bones removed.
How long does the barley need to simmer?
The barley needs to simmer in the pot for about 1 hour until it is tender and fully cooked.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses 4 cups of sliced button mushrooms.
When should I add the tomato paste?
Whisk the tomato paste into the turkey broth in a large pot before adding the sautéed vegetables.
What oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of canola oil.
How much barley is added to the soup?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of barley.
What spices and herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Does this recipe use vinegar?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar are added to enhance the flavor profile.
When is the cooked turkey added to the pot?
The turkey is added at the very end and simmered for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.
How many carrots and celery ribs are needed?
You will need 2 scraped and sliced carrots and 2 sliced celery ribs.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, once the soup reaches a boil and ingredients are added, reduce heat to low and cover the pot to simmer.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious meal featuring wholesome barley and a variety of vegetables.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be peeled and diced before being sautéed in the canola oil.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, fresh herbs can usually be substituted at a 3:1 ratio.
What is the primary thickener in this soup?
The soup is naturally thickened by the addition of wholesome barley.
Is the turkey meat cooked before adding it?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of chopped cooked turkey meat.
What temperature should I use to sauté the vegetables?
A large skillet should be placed over medium heat for the sautéing process.
How do I ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated?
Whisk the tomato paste into the broth until it is fully blended and no lumps remain.
What is the recommended heat setting for the final simmer?
The final simmer, after adding the turkey, should be done over low heat.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Should I scrape the carrots?
Yes, the recipe recommends using carrots that have been scraped and sliced.
What type of turkey meat is best?
Any cooked turkey meat works, as long as it is chopped and all bones have been removed.
Can this soup be served as a main meal?
Absolutely, its hearty nature and high ingredient count (13) make it a complete and filling meal.