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Treme (Mock) Turtle Soup

This Treme mock turtle soup is a sophisticated, high-protein dish that captures the deep, savoury flavours of a New Orleans classic without the need for traditional turtle meat. By using quality minced sirloin beef and a rich blend of beef and chicken broths, this recipe creates a comforting and hearty base. The addition of aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaves, combined with the tang of Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, ensures every spoonful is packed with complexity.

Ideal for a warming weekend lunch or an impressive dinner party starter, this slow cooker meal is surprisingly easy to prepare. The traditional addition of chopped hard-boiled eggs and a splash of sherry provides a unique texture and a professional finish. Serve this homemade soup piping hot with a slice of lemon for a bright, citrusy lift that perfectly balances the robust, meaty flavours.

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Ingredients for Treme (Mock) Turtle Soup

  • 675g ground sirloin

  • 6 stalks celery, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 230g chopped onion

  • 170g butter

  • 1 425g can tomato puree

  • 2 14.140g cans chicken broth

  • 2 14.140g cans beef broth

  • 120ml flour mixed with 240ml water

  • 120ml Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 1/2 cups lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

  • 6 slices lemon, for garnish

  • 240ml sherry, or to taste, optional

On the stovetop, sauté the sirloin, celery, garlic, and onion in butter until meat is brown and veggies are translucent. Add to the slow cooker.

Add tomato puree, chicken broth, beef broth, flour mixture, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir.

Cook on low heat for 4 hours.

Add lemon juice, parsley, and eggs 30 minutes before serving.

Immediately before serving, remove bay leaves, add sherry to taste, and garnish with lemon slices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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