Perfectly Balanced Meal: A Hearty Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Looking for a simple yet satisfying recipe that can be made in no time? This turkey and vegetable soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s rich in flavor, easy on your wallet, and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers)
• 1 whole turkey carcass or 1 pound bone-in turkey breast
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can of whole kernel corn (optional)
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly. Chop the garlic and herbs, if using.

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the celery and carrots, stirring occasionally, for another 8-10 minutes until everything is soft.

Meanwhile, if you are using a turkey carcass, remove it from the bones after cooking; otherwise, cut the bone-in turkey into bite-sized pieces. Once your vegetables have cooked down a bit, add the chopped garlic and rosemary to the pot along with 2 teaspoons of paprika. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Add in the turkey, broth, and potatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat to simmer for about 45-60 minutes. During this time, gently stir occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of your pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed during cooking.

If you prefer more flavor or want to add some extra texture, include a can of corn towards the end when everything else has simmered through. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until all flavors meld together nicely. Serve hot with lemon slices if desired.

Cooking Time and Servings

This hearty Turkey & Vegetable Soup takes approximately 45-60 minutes to prepare from start to finish, including cooking time. It serves four generous portions which can easily be doubled depending on the number of people you're serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~375 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Cholesterol: 76mg
• Sodium: 853mg
• Potassium: 824mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 7.5g
• Protein: 36g

This soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious due to its abundance of vegetables and lean turkey, making it an excellent choice for both health-conscious eaters and those seeking a comforting meal.

Tips for Success

• For extra depth of flavor, consider using a turkey carcass instead of just the breast meat. It adds richness to the broth which is crucial in creating this soup's signature taste.
• If you have leftovers from your turkey meal, use it up in this soup—it’s great for utilizing all parts of the bird!
• Experiment with different herbs and spices based on what you prefer. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance its natural flavors without overpowering them.

A healthy, home-cooked meal doesn't have to be time-consuming; it just requires some planning and preparation. With this turkey and vegetable soup recipe, you get the best of both worlds—speedy prep and slow, comforting cooking that results in a bowl full of deliciousness every single time.