Description
Hearty turkey soup brings comfort and warmth to any winter gathering, blending tender meat and rich herbs into a soul-soothing bowl. Nourishing ingredients simmer together, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids, Seasonings, and Garnish:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) turkey or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a generously sized cooking vessel over moderate flame, introducing diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery to the pan.
- Gently sauté the vegetable medley for approximately 6-8 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a translucent appearance while releasing their aromatic essence.
- Sprinkle in fragrant thyme, parsley, rosemary, along with measured salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the developing soup base.
- Pour in rich turkey broth and nestle a bay leaf into the liquid, raising the temperature until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and incorporate cubed potatoes, allowing them to slowly tenderize in the bubbling liquid for 12-15 minutes.
- Introduce pre-cooked turkey pieces and select seasonal green vegetables like frozen peas or crisp green beans into the simmering pot.
- Continue cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes, ensuring the protein and vegetables are thoroughly heated and harmoniously blended.
- Extract the bay leaf and brighten the soup’s flavor with a splash of citrusy lemon juice, tasting and adjusting seasonings as desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot alongside a crusty artisan bread for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Enhance veggie texture by cutting them uniformly for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Swap broth with low-sodium versions to control salt intake and make the soup healthier for heart-conscious individuals.
- Use leftover roasted or grilled turkey for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the soup’s overall taste experience.
- Create gluten-free variations by replacing traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or quinoa, ensuring dietary flexibility without compromising nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg