Turkey Vegetable Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Turkey Vegetable Soup is a fantastic choice for many reasons. It’s not just a hearty meal; it’s also a healthy option packed with nutrients. This soup combines lean protein from ground turkey with a variety of vegetables, making it a well-balanced dish. The flavor is rich and satisfying, ensuring that it will warm you up, whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need something comforting.

Making Turkey Vegetable Soup at home allows you to control the ingredients, keeping it wholesome and free from preservatives. Plus, it’s an excellent way to utilize leftover vegetables or incorporate what’s in season. You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste, whether you prefer a mild soup or something loaded with spices. This dish is also perfect for meal prep or serving during gatherings, as it yields a generous amount that can feed a crowd or provide you with tasty leftovers for the week.

How to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 6 fresh thyme sprigs
• 10-12 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 4-5 large carrots, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups coleslaw cabbage (or more to taste)
• 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, fire roasted preferred
• 1 (14-oz) can white beans
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 yellow squash, chopped
• Chopped parsley to garnish (optional)
• Pesto to garnish individual bowls (optional)
• Parmesan cheese to garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté the Meat and Onion
   Begin by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want the turkey to be crumbled and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

2. Drain the Fat
   Once the turkey is cooked, you’ll likely have some excess fat in the pot. Carefully drain this fat to make the soup less greasy.

3. Add Garlic and Spices
   Next, add your minced garlic along with the kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, basil, and crushed red pepper to the pot. Stir these ingredients and cook for about 1-2 minutes until you can smell the garlic and spices. This step adds a lot of flavor to your soup.

4. Add Broth
   Now it’s time to introduce the broth. Pour in 10-12 cups of chicken or turkey broth, depending on how soupy you want it to be. Turn up the heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil.

5. Add Vegetables
   Once boiling, start adding your chopped vegetables. Begin with the harder ones: add in the carrots and celery. After a few minutes, toss in the sweet potato and coleslaw cabbage. Make sure you stir everything well to combine.

6. Add Fresh Herbs and Tomatoes
   If you’re using fresh thyme, it’s time to add it now. Also, pour in the can of diced tomatoes. If you are using fire-roasted tomatoes, this will enhance the flavor even more. Next, drain the white beans and add them to the pot, stirring well.

7. Simmer the Soup
   Lower the heat and let your soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add a lid to the pot for better heat retention.

8. Finish with Soft Vegetables
   After the initial simmering time, you can add the zucchini and yellow squash. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until these vegetables are tender but not mushy.

9. Serve Hot
   Once your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish each bowl with a drizzle of pesto, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or chopped parsley if you like.

How to Serve Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey Vegetable Soup is very versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with various sides. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Sourdough or whole-grain bread is an excellent choice to dip into the soup.
• Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens can balance the hearty soup.
• Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches complement the meal perfectly.
• Crackers: Serve with whole-grain crackers for a crunchy texture.

You can also customize the garnish further by providing options at the table—such as avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or even a dab of sour cream.

How to Store Turkey Vegetable Soup

Storing Turkey Vegetable Soup is straightforward and convenient, making it a great option for meal prep.

1. Refrigeration: If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

2. Freezing: For longer storage, Turkey Vegetable Soup freezes well. Again, allow it to cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the stored soup, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Tips to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Creating the perfect Turkey Vegetable Soup can be made easier with these helpful tips:

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables add more flavor and nutrients to your soup. Whenever possible, choose seasonal produce for the best taste.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of each spice according to your taste. If you prefer it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper or add more garlic. For a milder version, reduce the spices.
• Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth, or add more starch, such as potatoes or beans, to absorb the liquid.
• Experiment with Greens: Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking can enhance nutrition and add lovely color.
• Add a Kick: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten up the flavors just before serving.

Variation

While Turkey Vegetable Soup is delicious as is, you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Different Proteins: If you want a meatier soup, you can swap out the ground turkey for chicken, beef, or even sausage.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether and use vegetable broth instead. You can add plant-based protein sources like lentils or chickpeas.
• Add Grains: To make the soup heartier, consider adding cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
• International Flavors: For a twist, try adding spices from different cuisines—like curry powder for an Indian twist or chili powder for a Southwestern flair.

FAQs

1. Can I make Turkey Vegetable Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Turkey Vegetable Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

2. Is it possible to use frozen turkey in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey in this recipe. Just remember to thaw it safely before cooking it in the pot. You might need to adjust the cooking time a little longer for the turkey to thoroughly cook.

3. Can I substitute vegetables in Turkey Vegetable Soup?

Certainly! This soup is very flexible. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer. Consider adding bell peppers, green beans, or peas. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on how long each vegetable takes to become tender.

4. How do I know when the vegetables are cooked enough?

The best way to check if your vegetables are cooked is to pierce them with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become mushy.

5. Can I add cheese to the soup during cooking?

Yes, adding cheese can enhance the flavor and creaminess of the soup. You can stir in grated cheese during the last minutes of cooking or garnish individual bowls with cheese before serving.

With its hearty ingredients and comforting warmth, Turkey Vegetable Soup is not only easy to make but also delightful for any home cook. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a nutritious meal that warms the soul. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe according to your preferences, and bring your family together around this warming dish.

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