Hearty Turkey Soup with Fluffy Parsley Dumplings: A Comforting Winter Meal

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup on a cold day. And when that soup is packed with flavorful turkey, tender vegetables, and topped with light, fluffy parsley dumplings, it transforms into a truly unforgettable meal. This recipe for Hearty Turkey Soup with Parsley Dumplings is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also delicious made with freshly cooked turkey. It’s a comforting, nourishing, and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

This recipe is designed to be accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. We’ll break down each step, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. From building a flavorful broth to creating the perfect dumpling texture, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavorful Broth:** The foundation of any great soup is a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe uses a combination of turkey bones (or meat), vegetables, and herbs to create a deeply satisfying base.
* **Tender Turkey:** Whether you’re using leftover or freshly cooked turkey, the key is to keep it tender. We’ll show you how to shred or dice the turkey properly and add it at the right time to prevent it from drying out.
* **Perfect Dumpling Texture:** Achieving light and fluffy dumplings can be tricky, but this recipe simplifies the process. We’ll use a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and milk (or buttermilk) to create dumplings that are tender and pillowy.
* **Fresh Parsley:** The addition of fresh parsley to the dumplings adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the turkey and vegetables perfectly. It also adds a beautiful pop of color.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily customize the vegetables and herbs to suit your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or spinach. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.

## Ingredients

### For the Soup:

* **Turkey Carcass or 1.5 lbs Turkey Meat:** (If using carcass, remove as much meat as possible beforehand) The base of our flavorful broth. If using leftover turkey, aim for a mix of light and dark meat. If starting with raw turkey, use bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks for maximum flavor in the broth.
* **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 large Onion, chopped:** Adds a foundational savory flavor to the broth.
* **2 Carrots, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
* **2 Celery Stalks, chopped:** Contributes to the aromatic base of the soup.
* **4 cloves Garlic, minced:** Provides a pungent and savory flavor.
* **8 cups Chicken or Turkey Broth:** Forms the liquid base of the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **2 cups Water:** To adjust the consistency of the soup.
* **2 Bay Leaves:** Infuses the broth with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove them before serving.
* **1 teaspoon Dried Thyme:** Adds a warm, herbaceous note.
* **1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary:** Complements the thyme and adds another layer of flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Adjust to taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adjust to taste.
* **1 cup Frozen Peas:** Adds sweetness, color, and nutrients.
* **1 cup Frozen Corn:** Adds sweetness and texture.
* **1 cup Cooked Turkey, shredded or diced:** The star of the show!
* **Optional: 1 cup diced potatoes:** For extra heartiness

### For the Parsley Dumplings:

* **1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour:** The base of the dumplings. Use a good quality all-purpose flour for the best results.
* **2 teaspoons Baking Powder:** Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
* **1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped:** Adds a bright, herbaceous flavor and color.
* **3/4 cup Milk (or Buttermilk):** Adds moisture and richness to the dumplings. Buttermilk will give the dumplings a slightly tangier flavor.
* **3 tablespoons Melted Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings. Make sure the butter is cooled slightly before adding it to the other ingredients.

## Equipment

* **Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven:** For making the soup.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Chef’s Knife:** For chopping vegetables and turkey.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For making the dumplings.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For mixing ingredients.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.

## Instructions

### Step 1: Make the Turkey Broth (if using a carcass or raw turkey)

1. **If using a turkey carcass:** Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Cover with 8 cups of chicken or turkey broth and 2 cups of water. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to extract the most flavor from the bones. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
2. **If using raw turkey pieces:** In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the turkey pieces on all sides. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in 8 cups of chicken or turkey broth and 2 cups of water. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, until the turkey is cooked through and tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
3. **Remove the Turkey:** Carefully remove the turkey carcass or pieces from the pot. Let cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove any remaining meat from the bones and shred or dice it. Set the meat aside.
4. **Strain the Broth (Optional):** For a clearer broth, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Discard the solids.

### Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

1. **Sauté the Vegetables (if not already done):** If you are starting with prepared broth instead of making it from a carcass, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add the Broth:** Pour the prepared turkey broth (or chicken broth) into the pot. Bring to a simmer.
3. **Add Seasonings:** Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the broth may already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
4. **Add Potatoes (Optional):** If using potatoes, add them to the soup now. This will allow them to cook through and become tender before adding the dumplings.

### Step 3: Make the Parsley Dumplings

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Add Parsley:** Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk) and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.

### Step 4: Cook the Soup and Dumplings

1. **Add the Turkey:** Add the shredded or diced cooked turkey to the simmering soup.
2. **Add the Peas and Corn:** Add the frozen peas and corn to the soup.
3. **Drop the Dumplings:** Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Use two spoons to shape the dumplings into roughly 1-inch balls. Do not overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.
4. **Cover and Simmer:** Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. The dumplings should be lightly golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling; it should come out clean.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Remove Bay Leaves:** Before serving, remove the bay leaves from the soup.
2. **Serve Hot:** Ladle the hot turkey soup with parsley dumplings into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
3. **Enjoy!** Serve immediately and savor the comforting flavors of this hearty soup.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Batter:** Overmixing the dumpling batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense dumplings. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; a few lumps are okay.
* **Use Cold Butter:** Use cold butter for a flakier dumpling, if desired. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients similar to making biscuits.
* **Drop Dumplings into Simmering Soup:** Make sure the soup is simmering gently when you drop in the dumplings. If the soup is boiling vigorously, the dumplings may fall apart.
* **Don’t Lift the Lid Too Often:** Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. Opening the lid will release steam and lower the temperature of the soup, which can cause the dumplings to collapse.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the soup and dumplings before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** For uniform dumplings, use a cookie scoop to drop the batter into the soup.
* **Add a Pinch of Nutmeg:** A pinch of nutmeg added to the dumpling batter adds a warm, subtle flavor.
* **Make Dumplings Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

## Variations

* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, green beans, or spinach. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or oregano. Add them to the soup base or to the dumpling batter.
* **Add Cheese to the Dumplings:** Add shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or Gruyère cheese to the dumpling batter for a cheesy twist.
* **Make Savory Dumplings:** Omit the parsley and add other savory ingredients to the dumpling batter, such as chopped chives, dill, or grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Make Sweet Dumplings:** Omit the parsley and add sugar and cinnamon to the dumpling batter for a sweet treat. Serve with fruit compote or whipped cream.
* **Spicy Turkey Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup base for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Turkey Soup:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup just before serving for a creamy texture.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* **Serve with a Salad:** A simple green salad complements the richness of the soup.
* **Serve as a Main Course:** This hearty soup is satisfying enough to be served as a main course.
* **Garnish with Fresh Herbs:** Garnish the soup with fresh parsley, chives, or dill for a pop of flavor and color.
* **Add a Lemon Wedge:** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors of the soup.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover turkey soup and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings may become slightly softer over time.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can cause the dumplings to become tough. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, but the dumplings may become slightly rubbery.
* **Freezing:** Freezing the soup *without* the dumplings is recommended. The texture of the dumplings can change significantly upon thawing. If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add freshly made dumplings when reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Hearty Turkey Soup with Parsley Dumplings is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey, but it’s also delicious made with freshly cooked turkey. With its flavorful broth, tender turkey, and fluffy dumplings, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of this delicious soup!

Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!