Turn Thanksgiving Leftovers into a Hearty Southern Turkey Soup
Turkey Soup is one of the best ways to give holiday leftovers a second life. Tender turkey, hearty potatoes, turnips, celery, onions, and tomatoes simmer together to create a rich, comforting soup that’s both nourishing and economical. Every spoonful captures the wholesome flavors of a homemade Southern meal while making the most of ingredients already on hand.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe celebrates the Southern tradition of reducing waste and transforming leftover roasted turkey into a satisfying family supper.
Ingredients
- Turkey leftovers
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups turnips (diced)
- 2 cups celery (chopped)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 2 cups tomatoes (stewed)
- 2 cups potatoes (diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Serves: 6
Instructions
- Remove the meat from the leftover turkey and cut it into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and skin as desired.
- Place the turkey and the water into a large soup pot.
- Add the diced turnips, chopped celery, chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, diced potatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
- If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more water as needed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving hot.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A hearty way to transform leftover turkey into a comforting homemade meal.
- Packed with vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying soup.
- Homemade turkey stock adds even more depth of flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well for future meals.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
