Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey Noodle Soup with Veggies?
It is a comforting, hearty soup made by transforming holiday turkey leftovers with egg noodles and a variety of fresh vegetables in a rich, aromatic broth.
How much turkey is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires between 3 to 4 cups of cooked, shredded turkey.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use either 2 teaspoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to sautรฉ the vegetables.
How should the leeks be prepared?
The two leeks should be thoroughly cleaned and then chopped before being added to the pot.
How long do I sautรฉ the vegetables?
Sautรฉ the leeks, carrots, minced garlic, and celery for approximately 4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What seasonings are used in this turkey soup?
The soup is seasoned with bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth to provide a rich base without excessive salt.
How long should the soup simmer before adding the noodles?
After bringing the broth to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of noodles should I use?
The recipe specifically uses 6 ounces of uncooked egg noodles for their tender texture.
How long do the egg noodles take to cook in the soup?
The noodles should cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy.
When do I add the frozen green peas?
Stir in the 1 cup of frozen green peas after the noodles are cooked, and simmer for one additional minute until heated through.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, remove the pot from the heat and carefully discard the bay leaves before ladling the soup into bowls.
What is the purpose of adding fresh parsley at the end?
Folding in fresh parsley provides a burst of color and a fresh layer of flavor right before serving.
Is this recipe good for using up holiday leftovers?
Yes, it is a perfect way to elevate leftover holiday turkey into a wholesome and flavorful new meal.
Can I use rotisserie chicken if I don't have turkey?
While the recipe specifies turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient and tasty substitute.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling and slicing 2 carrots for the vegetable medley.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove.
What size pot should I use?
A large stock pot or a Dutch oven is recommended to accommodate the 8 cups of broth and all the ingredients.
How do I know when the vegetables are ready during the sautรฉing step?
The vegetables are ready when they become softened and fragrant, which typically takes about 4 minutes.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, the salt and pepper amounts provided are guidelines; you should adjust them to your personal taste.
Is this soup considered a quick meal?
Yes, since it uses pre-cooked turkey and quick-cooking egg noodles, it is relatively fast and easy to prepare.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, you can substitute with fresh thyme if available (usually triple the amount).
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged with terms like turkey soup, noodle soup, easy recipes, leftover turkey, and hearty soup.
How do I ensure the noodles don't get too mushy?
Cook the noodles for approximately 10 minutes and check frequently so you can remove them from heat as soon as they are tender.
Does the recipe call for onion?
No, it specifically uses leeks instead of onions for a more delicate and slightly sweet flavor.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for one chopped celery stalk.
Can I make this soup without turkey?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey with chicken or even more vegetables, though the flavor profile will change.
Is the broth boiled or just simmered?
The broth is brought to a boil twice: once after adding the turkey and seasonings, and again before adding the egg noodles.
How many bay leaves should I add?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 whole bay leaves.
Is this soup suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a cozy family meal that is both satisfying and wholesome.