Turkey mulligatawny soup is a warming, curry-spiced one-pot meal with tender turkey, rice, vegetables, and a creamy yogurt finish.
It is an excellent way to turn turkey breast—or leftover cooked turkey—into a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Prep: 15 min · Cook: 46 min · Total: 1 hr 1 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired · Course: Soup
Turkey Mulligatawny Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a plate with a slotted spoon.
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the curry powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Return the turkey to the pot and add the chicken broth. Bring just to a simmer, then stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered until the rice is tender and the turkey is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Lower the heat. Temper the yogurt with a ladleful of warm broth, then stir it into the soup. Warm gently for about 5 minutes without boiling. Season with salt and pepper and serve with cilantro.
Tips for Creamy Mulligatawny
- Cut the turkey and vegetables into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Toast the curry powder briefly to bring out its aroma.
- Let the yogurt reach room temperature and temper it with warm broth to reduce curdling.
- Keep the soup below a boil after adding yogurt.
Substitutions and Variations
Use chopped cooked turkey and add it during the final 10 minutes. Chicken breast works equally well. Coconut milk can replace yogurt for a dairy-free variation, and diced apple adds a classic sweet-savory note.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add broth if the rice absorbs too much liquid. For freezing, prepare the soup without yogurt and add it after thawing and reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mulligatawny soup?
Mulligatawny is a curry-seasoned soup with South Indian roots and Anglo-Indian adaptations. Versions often include meat, rice, vegetables, fruit, or a creamy element.
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Yes. Skip the browning step and add about 3 cups chopped cooked turkey near the end so it warms without drying out.
Why did my yogurt curdle?
Very cold yogurt or boiling soup can cause separation. Temper the yogurt gradually and keep the heat low after adding it.
Prepared with AI assistance. Review ingredient amounts, cooking times, and food-safety guidance before cooking.
Featured image: AI-generated food photography.