Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings
Comforting Turkey Soup with Saltine Cracker Dumplings
If you’re looking for a cozy, budget-friendly meal to warm you up, this turkey soup with saltine cracker dumplings is the perfect choice. It’s a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of leftover turkey with the heartiness of homemade dumplings, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
A Frugal Way to Use Leftover Turkey
We’ve all been there: after a big turkey dinner, you’re left with plenty of turkey that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of letting those leftovers sit in the fridge, this turkey soup is a great way to transform them into something new and exciting. The turkey adds a rich, savory base to the soup, which pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy dumplings that float in the broth.
This recipe isn’t just frugal; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use whatever leftover vegetables you have on hand, and if you don’t have turkey, rotisserie chicken can work just as well. The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity – it’s a great way to use pantry staples while still making a dish that feels like a treat.
The Magic of Saltine Cracker Dumplings
The real star of this recipe is the saltine cracker dumplings. If you’ve never made dumplings this way before, you’re in for a surprise. By using saltine crackers as the base, you get a light, fluffy dumpling that complements the soup without overpowering it. The crackers soak up the broth, giving them a soft, pillowy texture that adds heartiness to the soup.
The beauty of saltine cracker dumplings is that they’re so easy to make. With just a few ingredients like crackers, eggs, milk, and a little butter, you’ll have dumplings ready to go in no time. They cook up quickly and don’t require any complicated techniques, making this a simple dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need to feed a family on a budget.
A Meal That Warms the Soul
This turkey soup with saltine cracker dumplings is a great example of comfort food at its finest. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also the spirit. There’s something so comforting about sitting down to a bowl of homemade soup, knowing that you’ve turned leftovers into a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. The combination of turkey, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings is sure to become a family favorite.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this turkey soup is that it can be made in large batches and stored for later. It’s ideal for meal prepping because the flavors only get better as it sits. Simply make a big pot, and you’ve got several meals ready to go throughout the week. The soup also freezes well, so you can stock up and have a comforting, homemade meal whenever you need it.
A Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
In the world of frugal cooking, this turkey soup with saltine cracker dumplings is a winner. Not only does it use up leftover turkey and pantry staples, but it also delivers a satisfying, filling meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to stretch your ingredients a little further, this recipe checks all the boxes.
So the next time you have leftover turkey sitting in your fridge, skip the sandwich and give this comforting soup a try. With its rich broth, tender turkey, and fluffy saltine cracker dumplings, you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love – and you won’t have to worry about wasting any leftovers.
Featured in this video:
Turkey Soup with Cracker Dumplings
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: MediumIngredients
- Broth
1 leftover turkey breast with some meat attached
2-3 carrots
2-3 stocks celery
1 onion, rough chopped
8 cups water
- Soup
8 cups prepared broth
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 carrot sliced
1 stalk celery sliced
2 cups cooked turkey (from broth process)
Salt and Pepper
- Cracker Dumplings
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (optional)
pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the broth:
Place the turkey breast carcass in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Break it up if necessary to fit into the pot.
Add vegetables and herbs:
Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot. These ingredients will infuse the broth with flavor as it simmers.
Add water:
Pour in enough water to cover the turkey carcass and vegetables. This is usually around 8-10 cups of water, but adjust based on the size of your pot.
Simmer the broth:
If using a stovetop: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
If using a slow cooker: Set it on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
Strain the broth:
After the broth has simmered, remove the carcass and vegetables with tongs or a slotted spoon. Discard the solids. For a clearer broth, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container.
Season the broth:
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt or herbs if necessary.
Cool and store:
Let the broth cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The fat will rise to the top as it cools, so you can skim this off before using the broth in recipes. - Prepare the soup:
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the broth:
Pour in the turkey broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer the soup:
Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add turkey and optional ingredients:
Stir in the shredded turkey, frozen peas, and corn (if using). Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Taste and season:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. - Prepare the cracker dumplings:
Crush the saltine crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin, or simply pulse them in a food processor until they are broken down into small crumbs. Set aside.
Mix the ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and crushed saltines until well combined. Add garlic salt and a couple dashes of pepper.
Form the dumplings:
With wet hands or a spoon, form small dumplings, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, from the mixture.
Cook the dumplings:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering liquid. Do not stir; the dumplings may break apart if disturbed too much.
Simmer:
Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are puffed up and firm to the touch. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to ensure they cook properly.
