Can I use leftover roasted turkey instead of raw turkey tenderloins?

Absolutely! Simply skip the searing step and add your pre-cooked, shredded turkey during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to warm through. This makes it perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!

My dumplings seem too wet/too dry. What should I do?

Dumpling consistency can vary based on the moisture content of your sweet potato. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough holds together. If too dry, add a splash more buttermilk. The dough should be sticky but still hold its shape when dropped into the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the soup base on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the turkey, add the peas, and drop the dumplings on top. Cover and cook on high until dumplings are done.

I don't have buttermilk. Is there a substitute?

Make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk. Let stand for 5 minutes before using. The acidity helps tenderize the dumplings.

Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe

Name: Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds turkey breast tenderloins; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 celery hearts, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 1 medium white onion, finely chopped; 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced; 6–8 sprigs fresh thyme; 3 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican allspice; 8 cups (2 quarts) turkey or chicken stock/broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 3/4 cup whole buttermilk; 1/4 cup mashed sweet potato or sweet potato puree

This hearty Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings is a game-changer for your dinner rotation. The tender shredded turkey swimming in a flavorful broth, topped with pillowy sweet potato dumplings creates a comforting meal that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for using up leftover turkey or as a satisfying weekend project that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Yet Light: This soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and light – filling enough to be a complete meal, but won’t weigh you down.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Most components can be prepped ahead, making this perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet potato dumplings add an unexpected twist to traditional turkey soup, bringing a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory broth.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients that make for a nourishing meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey breast tenderloins: The star protein that becomes beautifully tender when simmered. Makes this soup substantial and satisfying.
Butter and olive oil: Creates the perfect fat combination for searing the turkey and sautéing vegetables, adding richness to the broth.
Celery, carrots, and onion: This aromatic trio forms the flavor foundation of any good soup. Don’t skip this holy trinity!
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the broth. Fresh is best here for the most vibrant flavor.
Fresh thyme and bay leaves: These herbs infuse the broth with earthy, aromatic notes as it simmers.
Dried spices (oregano, smoked paprika, Jamaican allspice): This unique combination elevates this soup beyond the ordinary, creating layers of flavor.
Turkey or chicken stock: The liquid base that ties everything together. Use homemade if you have it, but a good quality store-bought works beautifully too.
Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and texture at the end of cooking.
Flour and cornmeal: The base for our dumplings, creating the perfect texture that’s neither too dense nor too fluffy.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures light, airy dumplings.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create tender dumplings.
Sweet potato: The secret ingredient that gives the dumplings their unique flavor and beautiful color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Don’t have turkey? Chicken thighs or breasts work beautifully in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or white beans as your protein and vegetable broth as your base.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, add fresh corn cut from the cob or diced zucchini. In fall, try adding cubed butternut squash to the vegetable mix. In winter, kale or collard greens make wonderful additions.

Dumpling Twists

Experiment with different additions to the dumplings – try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, or fold in some shredded cheddar cheese for a savory kick.

Spice Level

For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable sauté, or serve the soup with a bottle of hot sauce on the side.

How to Make Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings

Step 1: Season and Sear the Turkey

Season turkey tenderloins generously with salt and pepper, allowing them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. In a large Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil until sizzling, then sear the turkey for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add celery, carrots, and onion, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute longer.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Spices

Add fresh thyme, bay leaves, oregano, smoked paprika, and allspice to the pot. Stir continuously for about a minute to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils.

Step 4: Simmer with Turkey

Return the seared turkey to the pot and cover with stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-50 minutes until the turkey is tender.

Step 5: Shred the Turkey

Remove the turkey from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the soup and stir to combine.

Step 6: Prepare the Dumplings

While the soup simmers uncovered, mix flour, cornmeal, and baking powder in a bowl. Stir in melted butter, buttermilk, and sweet potato until just combined. Let rest for 1-2 minutes to activate the baking powder.

Step 7: Add Peas and Drop Dumplings

Stir frozen peas into the simmering soup. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture on top of the soup, then spoon a bit of broth over each dumpling.

Step 8: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Turkey: Don’t skip bringing the turkey to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better browning.
Dumpling Discipline: When mixing the dumpling dough, stir until just combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and result in tough dumplings.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings. A rolling boil can cause them to fall apart.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into a dumpling to check if it’s done – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Flavor Foundation: Don’t rush the vegetable sauté – those caramelized flavors are crucial to a rich, flavorful broth.

How to Serve

This soup is truly a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the table, here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Sides

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Bread Companions

Warm crusty bread or flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up every last drop of the flavorful broth.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of sour cream adds richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store soup and dumplings together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb some of the broth as they sit, creating an even more flavorful experience.

Freezing

For best results, freeze the soup base without the dumplings. Make fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve. If you do freeze with dumplings, expect a slight texture change upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use leftover roasted turkey instead of raw turkey tenderloins?

Absolutely! Simply skip the searing step and add your pre-cooked, shredded turkey during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to warm through. This makes it perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!
My dumplings seem too wet/too dry. What should I do?

Dumpling consistency can vary based on the moisture content of your sweet potato. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough holds together. If too dry, add a splash more buttermilk. The dough should be sticky but still hold its shape when dropped into the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the soup base on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the turkey, add the peas, and drop the dumplings on top. Cover and cook on high until dumplings are done.
I don’t have buttermilk. Is there a substitute?

Make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk. Let stand for 5 minutes before using. The acidity helps tenderize the dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings takes comfort food to new heights with its unique combination of savory broth and lightly sweet, fluffy dumplings. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition – satisfying enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for weeknight cooking. The next time you’re craving something warming and wholesome, give this soup a try – your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) will thank you!