Turkey Vegetable Soup

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Why Make This Recipe

Turkey Vegetable Soup is not just a comforting dish; it is also a powerhouse of nutrition. Made with lean ground turkey and a variety of colorful vegetables, it combines flavor and health benefits into one warm bowl. The soup is perfect for fall and winter, offering a cozy meal when you need it most. It’s an excellent way to use up those extra vegetables in your fridge and provides a delicious option for busy weeknights. Plus, it can easily be adapted to fit whatever you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe to keep in your cooking repertoire.

The combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes this soup a delightful experience for the taste buds. Each spoonful is packed with wholesome goodness, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking is simply inviting. This soup is not only hearty but also very satisfying, which means it can serve as a complete meal on its own.

How to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Making Turkey Vegetable Soup is relatively simple and requires just a few straightforward steps. You can enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Below are the detailed directions to guide you through the preparation of this delightful soup.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground turkey
1 large onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (smashed and minced, at least 1 tablespoon)
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)
1 (14-oz) can white beans
1 zucchini (chopped)
1 yellow squash (chopped)
Chopped parsley (to garnish, optional)
Pesto (to garnish, optional)
Parmesan cheese (to garnish, optional)

Directions

Brown the Turkey: Start by taking a large soup pot and setting it over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and chopped onion to the pot. Cook the turkey and onion until the turkey is browned and cooked through, while stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
Drain Fat: Once the turkey is cooked, carefully drain the fat from the pot. This step is crucial because you want to ensure the soup does not become greasy.
Add Garlic and Spices: Next, add the minced garlic along with the kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, basil, crushed red pepper, and thyme to the pot. Stir everything together until the spices are fragrant, which should be about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in Broth: Now, pour in 10-12 cups of chicken or turkey broth. Once added, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Add Vegetables: After reaching a boil, gradually add in the chopped carrots, celery, sweet potato, and coleslaw cabbage. Stir occasionally and allow it to cook until the veggies are tender, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
Mix in Canned Ingredients: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and drained white beans. This mixture will add a lovely richness and depth to your soup.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finish with Zucchini and Squash: Finally, add the chopped zucchini and yellow squash to the pot. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until these veggies are tender.
Skim Foam and Serve: Before serving, skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface of the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, pesto, or Parmesan cheese if desired.

How to Serve Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey Vegetable Soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides. It’s perfect for a day when you want something warm and hearty. Here are some easy serving suggestions:

With Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or warm rolls. This combination is comforting and filling. You could even toast some bread for added texture.
Salad Duo: Pair your soup with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette or creamy dressing can complement the soup well. Just keep it uncomplicated so as not to overshadow the fantastic flavors of the soup.
Toppings: Offer additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or croutons on the side. People can customize their bowls to their taste.
Chili Style: If you like a little heat, set out hot sauce for those who want to spice things up.
Meal Prepping: Consider packing servings into individual Tupperware containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.

How to Store Turkey Vegetable Soup

One of the great things about Turkey Vegetable Soup is that it stores well, allowing you to enjoy it over several days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure seal tightly to prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Turkey Vegetable Soup can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. You can also microwave it, but ensure it’s heated evenly throughout.

Tips to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables and meat for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste.
Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the turkey and onions. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol, which adds an extra layer of flavor.
Balance Seasonings: Taste your soup as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly. You may prefer more salt, pepper or even a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute veggies based on what you have available. Broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers would also work great.
Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a garnish for a bright flavor boost.

Variation

If you want to mix it up, here are some variations to consider:

Spicy Turkey Vegetable Soup: Add diced jalapeños or extra crushed red pepper to kick it up a notch.
Creamy Version: For a creamy twist, you can stir in a dollop of cream or creamy bean dip after cooking, giving the soup a rich texture.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with a meat alternative, like lentils or additional beans, to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still being hearty.
Low-Carb Version: Replace sweet potato with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that still offers a satisfying bowl of soup.

FAQs

1. Can I simplify the recipe?
Yes, you can simplify the recipe by reducing the number of vegetables or spices. Start with the turkey and broth as your base, and add whatever you have on hand.

2. How do I know when the vegetables are done?
The vegetables should be tender but not mushy. You can check by piercing them with a fork; if they go in easily, they are ready.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option. You can add them directly to the soup; just be sure to add them according to when fresh veggies would normally go into the cooking process.

4. Is it okay to leave the soup out overnight?
No, it is not safe to leave the soup out overnight. Always refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking for food safety.

5. How can I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water or let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to evaporate some of the moisture.

Enjoy your day with Turkey Vegetable Soup, and remember that cooking is about experimenting, so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste!