Carolyn's Dish / Chicken & Turkey / Soup
Turkey Barley Soup Recipe

Servings
8 as a main
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 leeks (white and light green parts, coarsely chopped)
- ½ pound button mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and coarsely chopped)
- ½ cup pearl barley
- 3 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 skinless turkey drumsticks or 1 turkey leg (thigh and drumstick intact) (sea headnote)
- 2 tsp salt
- 8 cups no-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
- ¼-½ tsp pepper or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over med heat.
- 2
Add the leeks and sauté until they have softened, 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the mushrooms, carrots, barley, garlic and salt and sauté 1 minute longer.
- 4
Add the turkey legs, sauté for a minute or two, add the broth, bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low.
- 5
Cover and simmer for about 1½ hours until the barley is tender but not mushy.
- 6
Remove the turkey legs. When cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones. Shred the meat into bite size pieces and return to the pot. Turn the heat off.
- 7
Stir in the parsley , add the pepper to taste and enjoy!
- 8
Freezes well.
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Chicken and turkey reheat well in the oven at 325°F to keep the meat moist.
- Can I Freeze This?
- Absolutely. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Cooking Tip
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Turkey Barley Soup?
This Turkey Barley Soup recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 11 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
How many servings does this turkey barley soup recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings. You can easily double or halve the recipe to suit your needs.
What goes well with this turkey barley soup?
This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.