Description
This hearty Turkey Vegetable Soup recipe is a flavorful, low-calorie, and nutritious meal packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and lean ground turkey. Perfect for weight loss or a comforting meal, the soup combines savory herbs and spices with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, cabbage, zucchini, and white beans in a rich broth that simmers to tender perfection. Garnish options like pesto, parmesan, and parsley allow customization to suit dietary needs and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced (at least 1 tablespoon)
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 or 6 fresh thyme sprigs
Liquids
- 10-12 cups chicken or turkey broth (or combination of broth and water with turkey/chicken base)
Vegetables
- 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 (preferably fire roasted)
- 1 (14-oz) can white beans, drained
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional, low calorie)
- Pesto (optional, adds calories)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, adds calories)
Instructions
- Sauté Turkey and Onion: In a very large soup pot (at least 6-quart capacity), add 2 pounds ground turkey and the chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, crumbling the turkey as it cooks until browned and the onion is softened.
- Drain Fat: Turn off the heat and carefully drain the rendered fat from the pot. A recommended method is to line a small bowl with foil, tilt the pot, and use a spoon to remove the grease to the bowl. Refrigerate the collected fat to harden, then discard it safely.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Turn the heat back to medium and add the minced garlic and all spices: kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, basil, crushed red pepper, and thyme (if dried). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic and spices become fragrant.
- Add Broth: Pour in 10-12 cups of chicken or turkey broth. You can use all broth or combine broth with water and a concentrated turkey or chicken base, adjusting proportions to taste.
- Bring to Boil and Add Vegetables: Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Add the chopped carrots, celery, sweet potato, and cabbage. If using fresh thyme, add sprigs now along with the broth. Stir to combine.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Add the entire can of diced tomatoes with juice and the drained white beans to the pot. Stir well.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce heat to a medium simmer (gentle bubbling). Cook for about 20 minutes until the carrots and sweet potatoes are almost fork-tender.
- Add Squash: Add the chopped zucchini and yellow squash to the pot. Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Skim Foam and Remove Thyme: If foam accumulates on top, skim it off with a spoon. Remove and discard fresh thyme sprigs if used.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup hot into bowls. Garnish each serving optionally with chopped parsley for a calorie-free option, or add pesto and shredded parmesan for extra flavor and richness.
Notes
- This soup is low in calories and packed with vegetables, making it ideal for weight loss plans.
- Feel free to adjust vegetable types and quantities based on preference or availability—soup is forgiving!
- Using ground turkey adds lean protein while keeping the dish light and nutritious.
- Garnishes such as pesto and parmesan add flavor but increase calories.
- Homemade broth or quality store-bought broth can enhance the flavor substantially.
- Storing and reheating this soup improves the flavor as ingredients meld over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 169 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 539 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg