Cozy Day-After-Christmas Turkey Soup

This is the kind of soup that turns Christmas leftovers into something warm, healing, and comforting. It’s simple, flexible, and perfect for quiet winter days—especially when you want real food without another trip to the store.

Why This Soup Works

• Uses leftover turkey and vegetables
• Budget-friendly and low stress
• Diabetic-friendly with easy swaps
• Comfort food without being heavy

Ingredients (Very Flexible)

• 2–3 cups leftover cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
• 4–6 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1–2 cups leftover vegetables
  (carrots, celery, onion, green beans, broccoli, spinach all work well)
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½–1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins (Choose One)

• ½ cup cooked brown rice
• ½ cup cooked lentils
• ½ cup canned white beans, drained

Optional Creamy Finish

• ¼–½ cup half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk

How to Make It

1. Start the base: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer in a soup pot.
2. Add vegetables: Stir in vegetables and garlic. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until tender.
3. Add turkey: Add turkey and seasoning. Simmer another 5–10 minutes to warm through.
4. Optional creamy step: Lower heat and stir in half-and-half or almond milk if using.
5. Season and rest: Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

• If your gravy was thin, use it in place of some broth for extra flavor.
• A small squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the soup.
• This soup freezes well in single-serve containers.

How to Serve

• With keto or low-carb bread
• Alongside a simple salad
• Or just a warm bowl and a quiet moment

Sometimes the best meals are the ones that make use of what you already have—and let you slow down just a little.

Lynne Under Pressure