Olivia Carter
Are you wondering what to do with all the leftover turkey from your holiday feast? One delicious and comforting option is to make turkey soup in a pressure cooker.
The pressure cooker is a fantastic tool for making soups and stews quickly. It cooks the ingredients under high pressure, which helps to infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
Not only is turkey soup a great way to use up your leftovers, but it’s also a nourishing and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for days. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs to suit your taste.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making turkey soup in a pressure cooker. From preparing the ingredients to setting the cooking time, you’ll be able to enjoy a hot bowl of flavorful soup in no time.
Prepping the Ingredients
Before you start making turkey soup in a pressure cooker, it’s important to properly prep all your ingredients. This will ensure that your soup turns out flavorful and delicious.
1. Turkey: Start by removing any remaining meat from the turkey carcass. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Discard any excess fat or skin.
2. Vegetables: Chop all your vegetables – carrots, celery, onions, and garlic – into small, even-sized pieces. This will help them cook more evenly in the pressure cooker.
3. Herbs and Spices: Gather all the herbs and spices you’ll need for the soup, such as thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are fresh and fragrant.
4. Stock: Prepare your turkey stock or broth by boiling the turkey carcass with water, onions, and other aromatics. Once the stock is ready, strain it to remove any solids and set it aside.
5. Other Ingredients: If you plan to add any other ingredients to your turkey soup, such as noodles or rice, make sure they are cooked separately according to package instructions before adding them to the pressure cooker.
By prepping all the ingredients beforehand, you’ll have an organized and efficient cooking process, resulting in a tasty and satisfying turkey soup!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start making turkey soup in a pressure cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything organized and within easy reach will make the cooking process much smoother.
Turkey
The key ingredient for turkey soup is, of course, turkey. You can use leftover cooked turkey or fresh turkey meat. If you’re using leftover cooked turkey, make sure to remove any bones and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh turkey meat, you’ll need to cook it before adding it to the soup.
Vegetables
Vegetables add flavor and nutritional value to the soup. Some common vegetables to include in turkey soup are carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Chop the vegetables into small, uniform pieces so that they cook evenly in the pressure cooker.
Broth
A good broth is essential for a flavorful turkey soup. You can use store-bought broth or make your own by simmering turkey bones with vegetables and herbs. If using store-bought broth, choose low-sodium or unsalted options, as you can adjust the seasoning later.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices help enhance the taste of the soup. Consider adding bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper to season your turkey soup. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to your preference.
Noodles or Rice
To make the soup heartier, you can add noodles or rice. Choose your favorite type and cook it separately before adding it to the soup. This helps prevent the noodles or rice from becoming overcooked and mushy in the pressure cooker.
Other Optional Ingredients
Depending on your personal taste, you can also consider adding other ingredients such as peas, corn, mushrooms, or even a splash of lemon juice for a hint of acidity. These optional ingredients can add extra flavor and texture to your turkey soup.
| Ingredients: | Amount: |
|---|---|
| Turkey (cooked or fresh) | 2 cups |
| Carrots | 2 large |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Turkey broth | 4 cups |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Sage | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Noodles or Rice | 1 cup |
Chopping the Vegetables
To start making turkey soup in a pressure cooker, one of the first steps is to chop the vegetables. Begin by washing and peeling the carrots, then cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Next, wash and dice the celery stalks, ensuring that they are roughly the same size as the carrots.
Once the carrots and celery are prepared, move on to the onions. Peel them and cut them into small, uniform chunks. For added flavor, you can also mince a few cloves of garlic. Set the prepared vegetables aside, as they will be added to the pressure cooker later on in the cooking process.
Cooking the Turkey Soup
Once you have all the ingredients prepared and ready, it’s time to begin cooking the turkey soup in your pressure cooker. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function and add some olive oil. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two.
Step 2: Add in the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pressure cooker. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent.
Step 3: Next, add in the diced turkey meat, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.
Step 5: Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Remove the lid and discard the bay leaves. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed, with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Serve the turkey soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade turkey soup!
Note: Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model to ensure safe cooking.
Preparing the Pressure Cooker
Before you begin making turkey soup in a pressure cooker, you need to prepare the pressure cooker itself. Follow these steps to ensure your pressure cooker is ready:
Clean the Pressure Cooker
Make sure the pressure cooker is clean and free from any dirt or residue. Wash the cooker with warm soapy water and rinse well. This step is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Check the Sealing Ring
Inspect the sealing ring of the pressure cooker. The ring should be flexible and free from any cracks or damage. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, it is important to replace the sealing ring before proceeding.
Ensure the Pressure Vents are Clear
Check the pressure vents located on the lid of the pressure cooker. Ensure they are clear and not blocked by any food debris or residue. Cleaning the pressure vents will enable proper pressure release during the cooking process.
Note: It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model, as each cooker may have different preparation requirements.
By properly preparing your pressure cooker beforehand, you will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process when making turkey soup.
Cooking the Turkey
When making turkey soup in a pressure cooker, it’s important to start with a properly cooked turkey. Here’s how to cook the turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavities.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone.
- Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
- Take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Once the turkey is cooked, you can proceed to make the turkey soup using your pressure cooker.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make turkey soup in a pressure cooker?
To make turkey soup in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients: turkey carcass or leftover turkey, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and egg noodles.
Can I use a whole turkey to make turkey soup in a pressure cooker?
While it is possible to use a whole turkey to make turkey soup in a pressure cooker, it is recommended to use the turkey carcass or leftover turkey instead. This will give the soup a richer flavor and use up the leftovers from a roast turkey dinner.
