Warm up your kitchen and your spirits with a bowl of our delightful "Turkey Soup with Lemon and Barley"! This comforting American classic is not just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl that transforms leftover turkey into a nourishing meal bursting with flavor. With zesty lemon and hearty barley, this soup is the perfect antidote to chilly days or a cozy family dinner. Ready in just 50 minutes, it serves up to 4 people, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or meal prep. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small dice to ensure even cooking.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and add barley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes or until barley is tender.
- Stir in shredded cooked turkey and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the turkey to heat through completely.
- Remove pot from heat and add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, which will brighten the soup's flavor profile.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker on the day you plan to make the soup.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a bit more barley. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Use Leftover Turkey: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey from holiday feasts. Shredded turkey adds a rich flavor and texture that enhances the overall dish.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill just before serving can elevate the presentation and add a burst of freshness to your soup.
- Store and Reheat: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the soup.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 50mg
