Turkey Vegetable Soup

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Why Make This Recipe

Turkey Vegetable Soup is not only a comforting and hearty dish but also a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet. The combination of ground turkey and fresh vegetables makes it a healthy choice for any meal. Whether you are looking for a family dinner, a meal prep option, or simply want to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup, this recipe can meet your needs. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it perfect for any season, especially during cold weather. Plus, it’s adaptable; you can customize it based on what vegetables you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

How to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Making Turkey Vegetable Soup is a straightforward process that involves some basic steps. Below, you will find detailed instructions to guide you through the preparation, cooking, and serving of this delicious 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 is preferred)
1 (14-oz) can white beans
1 zucchini (chopped)
1 yellow squash (chopped)
Chopped parsley (to garnish, optional and low calorie!)
Pesto (to garnish individual bowls, optional and not low calorie!)
Parmesan cheese to garnish (optional, not low calorie!)

Directions

Sauté the Turkey and Onion:
In a very large soup pot, at least a 6-quart capacity, add the 2 pounds of ground turkey along with the chopped onion. Set the heat to medium-high and sauté until the turkey is crumbled and cooked through.
Drain the Fat:
After cooking the turkey, turn off the heat and drain excess fat. You can do this by lining a small bowl with foil, tilting the pot to the side, and using a spoon to remove the grease. Refrigerate the fat until it hardens for easier disposal.
Add Garlic and Spices:
Turn the heat back on to medium. Add the minced garlic and all the spices: 2 and 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, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper. If you’re using dried thyme, add 1/2 teaspoon here. Cook this mixture until the spices and garlic become fragrant.
Pour in the Broth:
Add 10-12 cups of broth. For extra flavor, you can use 8 cups of chicken broth and then add 4 cups of water with 4 teaspoons of Better than Bouillon Turkey Base. This turkey base adds wonderful flavor to your soup. If you prefer, you can use all chicken broth, or even use water with a chicken/turkey base. Remember that 1 cup of water plus 1 teaspoon of the base equals 1 cup of broth.
Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
Add Vegetables:
Once the soup is boiling, begin adding the chopped vegetables, starting with the harder ones. Add the chopped carrots first, followed by the celery, sweet potato, and then pour in the 2 cups of coleslaw cabbage. Feel free to adjust the amount of the vegetables. If sweet potato isn’t your favorite, you can leave it out and add a bit more carrot instead. Soup is quite forgiving when it comes to ingredients.
Incorporate Thyme and Tomatoes:
If you are using fresh thyme, add the thyme sprigs along with the broth at this point. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice for added flavor. Drain the can of white beans and add them to the pot.
Simmer the Soup:
When the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to a medium simmer. This means it should bubble gently without boiling over. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the carrots and sweet potato are almost tender when you poke them with a fork.
Add Zucchini and Yellow Squash:
Now, incorporate the chopped zucchini and yellow squash into the soup. Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes until the squash is tender.
Remove Foam (if necessary):
If any foam has formed on the surface of the soup, skim it off with a spoon. If you used fresh thyme, remove the stems and discard them.
Serve Hot:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! Garnish each bowl with a spoonful of pesto and shredded parmesan cheese for a richer flavor, though these will add extra calories. You can also sprinkle chopped parsley on top, which is a tasty and calorie-free option.

How to Serve Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey Vegetable Soup is perfect served hot, especially during chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal. You can serve it on its own as a filling dish or alongside crusty bread or a light salad for a more complete meal. Consider offering a variety of garnishes, such as shredded cheese or fresh herbs, so each person can customize their bowl to their liking. It’s your choice whether you want it as a hearty main dish or a light appetizer.

How to Store Turkey Vegetable Soup

To store Turkey Vegetable Soup, first, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to airtight containers for storage. The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. You can portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove or microwave until warm throughout.

Tips to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Customize Your Vegetables: This soup is very forgiving, so feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer. For example, green beans, peas, or corn can be great additions.
Control Saltiness: If you are concerned about the saltiness, begin with less and add more only if needed. This is especially important if you’re using broth that is already salted.
Add More Herbs: If you love herbs, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavor even more. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or dill.
Consider Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your spice tolerance; skip it if you prefer a milder soup.
For a Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend some of the soup. Just scoop out a cup or so, blend it until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Variation

For a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding some different proteins like diced chicken or sausage for added flavor. Another variation could include replacing the sweet potato with butternut squash for a slightly different taste and texture. You can also experiment with different types of beans, like kidney beans or pinto beans, to change up the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make Turkey Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe! Cook the ground turkey and onion in a skillet first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours and enjoy!

2. Is it necessary to drain the fat from the turkey?
While it’s not strictly necessary, draining the fat helps to make the soup healthier and reduces excessive greasiness in the final dish.

3. Can I substitute fresh vegetables for frozen?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a handy substitute and can cut down on prep time. Just keep in mind that frozen vegetables may cook faster than fresh, so you should add them later in the cooking process.

4. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground turkey with any plant-based protein, such as lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.

5. Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
Yes! Adding pasta or rice can make the soup heartier. If you choose to do this, keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe, as the pasta or rice will absorb some of the broth.

Enjoy making your Turkey Vegetable Soup, and don’t hesitate to share it with family and friends for a nourishing meal everyone will love!