Turkey Vegetable Soup

A hearty bowl of Turkey Vegetable Soup is the perfect meal for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. This soup is not only low in calories, but it’s also packed with an abundance of vegetables and lean protein from ground turkey. It’s versatile enough to be served as a comforting dinner, a filling lunch, or even as part of your weight loss journey. Cooking this turkey vegetable soup is simple and allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Calorie Delight: Filled with nutritious vegetables and ground turkey, this soup is a guilt-free option for any meal.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and herbs creates a robust flavor that makes every bite enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe suits both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it freezes well too!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Turkey Vegetable Soup, ensure you have the right tools at hand. This will streamline your cooking process and help achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for holding all ingredients while allowing enough space for boiling without overflow.
• Sharp knife: Aids in quickly chopping vegetables, which saves time during prep.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and minimizes mess in the kitchen.

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 recommended)
• 1 (14-oz) can white beans (drained)
• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 yellow squash (chopped)
• Chopped parsley (to garnish, optional; low calorie!)
• Pesto (to garnish individual bowls, optional; not low calorie!)
• Parmesan cheese (to garnish, optional; not low calorie!)

How to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté Ground Turkey

In a very large soup pot, add 2 pounds of ground turkey along with the chopped onion. Sauté over medium-high heat until the turkey is browned.

Step 2: Drain Excess Fat

Once browned, turn off the heat. Carefully drain the fat from the pot. For easy cleanup, line a small bowl with foil and tilt the pot to pour out excess grease.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Turn the heat back on to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic along with all spices:
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 if using dried thyme.

Cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add between 10 to 12 cups of chicken or turkey broth. If you have chicken broth on hand, use it along with water mixed with turkey base for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Raise heat to high until boiling. Add in all vegetables except zucchini and yellow squash:
Start with chopped carrots, then add celery, sweet potato, coleslaw cabbage, and thyme sprigs if using fresh thyme.

Step 6: Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans

Add one can of diced tomatoes with juice included. Drain the can of white beans before adding them into the pot as well.

Step 7: Simmer Soup

Lower heat once boiling to maintain a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes until the carrots and sweet potato are nearly fork-tender.

Step 8: Add Remaining Vegetables

Stir in chopped zucchini and yellow squash. Continue simmering for another additional five to ten minutes until tender.

Step 9: Skim Foam Off Top

If foam collects on top of your soup during cooking, skim it off with a spoon. Remove fresh thyme stems if used.

Step 10: Serve Hot!

Ladle your delicious Turkey Vegetable Soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with parsley or pesto as desired, keeping in mind that some garnishes may add extra calories. Enjoy hot!

How to Serve Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey Vegetable Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and color.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves can elevate the soup’s aroma and taste.

Add Extra Protein

• Shredded Chicken: For more protein, top your soup with shredded chicken.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs lend creaminess and extra nutrition.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve alongside a warm baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: This classic pairing complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.

Create a Soup Bar

• Toppings Station: Set up a toppings bar with options like cheese, avocado, or croutons for customization.
• Spice Choices: Offer chili flakes or hot sauce for those who enjoy some heat.

How to Perfect Turkey Vegetable Soup

Perfecting your Turkey Vegetable Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning; adjust spices based on your preference.
• Allow Time to Simmer: Letting the soup simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables for variety or personal preference.
• Control Broth Quantity: Adjust the amount of broth depending on how thick or soupy you like it.
• Serve Hot: Ensure the soup is served hot for maximum enjoyment and comfort.

Best Side Dishes for Turkey Vegetable Soup

Pairing side dishes with Turkey Vegetable Soup can create a delightful meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this savory dish well.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is great for dipping into the flavorful broth.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch to your meal.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a nice contrast to the savory soup.
4. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches offer melty goodness that pairs perfectly with soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables can enhance the overall meal experience.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds additional protein and nutrients, making it a nourishing side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Turkey Vegetable Soup, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your soup turns out perfect.

• Boldly skip the fat draining: Not draining the fat from the ground turkey can lead to a greasy soup. Always drain excess fat after browning the meat for a lighter dish.
• Boldly ignore seasoning: Failing to properly season can result in a bland soup. Use the recommended spices and taste as you go for maximum flavor.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Cutting down on simmering time can leave vegetables undercooked. Allow enough time for the veggies to soften and flavors to meld together.
• Boldly overcomplicate ingredients: Adding too many diverse vegetables can clash in flavors. Stick to the suggested vegetables for a balanced taste or swap out only one or two if desired.
• Boldly forget garnishing: Skipping garnishes can make your soup less visually appealing. A sprinkle of parsley or drizzle of pesto can elevate both taste and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Turkey Vegetable Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Turkey Vegetable Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Turkey Vegetable Soup healthy?

Turkey Vegetable Soup is low in calories and packed with nutrients from various vegetables. Ground turkey adds protein without excess fat.

Can I customize my Turkey Vegetable Soup?

Absolutely! You can swap out vegetables based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Just keep the broth and turkey base consistent for flavor.

How long does it take to prepare Turkey Vegetable Soup?

The total time is approximately 65 minutes, with about 20 minutes for prep and 45 minutes for cooking.

Can I use leftover turkey in this recipe?

Yes! Leftover turkey works well in this soup. Just shred it and add it during the last stages of cooking for a quick meal.

What should I serve with Turkey Vegetable Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Vegetable Soup is not just nutritious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on your taste or what’s available. Try this comforting recipe today, and enjoy its warm flavors!