Turkey soup made easy! Transform leftover turkey into delicious, comforting soup with these simple Instant Pot turkey soup recipes. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal!
Making turkey soup in an Instant Pot is a game-changer. Forget simmering on the stove for hours; the Instant Pot delivers flavorful, comforting soup in a fraction of the time. If you have leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or any other big turkey dinner, this is the perfect way to use it up. These recipes are also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
**Why Use an Instant Pot for Turkey Soup?**
* **Speed:** The Instant Pot cooks soup much faster than traditional methods.
* **Flavor:** Pressure cooking extracts maximum flavor from the turkey carcass and vegetables.
* **Convenience:** It’s a hands-off cooking method, freeing you up to do other things.
* **Nutrient Retention:** Pressure cooking helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling.
**Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Soup**
* **Turkey Carcass or Leftover Turkey:** This is the base of your soup. If using a carcass, remove as much meat as possible beforehand.
* **Aromatics:** Onions, carrots, and celery (mirepoix) are essential for building flavor. Garlic and herbs like thyme and bay leaf add depth.
* **Broth:** Chicken or turkey broth enhances the flavor. You can also use water, but broth is recommended.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, corn, or peas.
* **Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to taste.
**Basic Instant Pot Turkey Soup Recipe**
This is a foundational recipe you can easily adapt:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 turkey carcass or 4 cups shredded cooked turkey
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken or turkey broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 cups chopped vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, etc.)
* 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. **Add Turkey and Broth:** Place the turkey carcass (or shredded turkey) into the Instant Pot. Pour in the broth. Add the thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Pressure Cook:** Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual or pressure cook for 25 minutes. If using leftover cooked turkey, reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes.
4. **Natural Pressure Release:** Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
5. **Remove Carcass and Shred Meat:** Carefully remove the turkey carcass from the Instant Pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bones. Discard the bones. If you used shredded turkey to begin with, skip this step.
6. **Add Vegetables:** Add the chopped vegetables to the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
7. **Add Turkey and Pasta/Rice (Optional):** Return the shredded turkey meat to the Instant Pot. If desired, add cooked rice or pasta. Heat through.
8. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. **Serve:** Serve hot and enjoy!
**Variations and Tips**
* **Add-Ins:** Consider adding diced tomatoes, spinach, kale, or other greens.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Creamy Turkey Soup:** Stir in a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Lemon Herb Turkey Soup:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a bright, fresh flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use vegetable broth and add beans or lentils for protein.
* **Freezing:** Turkey soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
**Troubleshooting**
* **Soup is too thick:** Add more broth or water to thin it out.
* **Soup is too thin:** Simmer on sauté mode to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
* **Turkey is dry:** If using leftover turkey, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
**FAQ**
* **Can I use frozen turkey in the Instant Pot?** Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
* **Can I make this soup on the stovetop?** Yes, but it will take longer. Simmer the soup for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
* **How long does turkey soup last in the refrigerator?** It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
* **What if I don’t have a turkey carcass?** You can use chicken bones or just use shredded leftover meat and adjust the flavor with bouillon cubes.
* **Do I need to soak the turkey carcass before cooking?** No, soaking is not necessary.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot turkey soup! It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying way to use up leftover turkey.