Description
This vibrant Ground Turkey Soup is a comforting one-pot meal packed with protein, white beans, kale, and brightened with fresh herbs and lemon juice. Featuring aromatic ginger, cumin, and a touch of heat from chili flakes, it strikes a perfect balance between a rich broth and hearty stew. Easy to customize and ideal for cozy dinners, this soup is wholesome, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ½ pound ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 cups kale, roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Dry and Canned Goods
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thicker consistency)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (plus more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Finishing Touches
- 5 cups chicken stock
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Warm a large pot over medium-high heat for about a minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until hot, approximately 30 seconds.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the turkey from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add onions and diced carrots to the pot. Cook until they soften and brown slightly at the edges, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. If using flour, sprinkle it in and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, red chili flakes (if using), and kosher salt. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Add beans: Pour the drained white beans into the pot and stir.
- Add chicken stock: Gradually add chicken stock in small splashes, stirring continuously for a smooth mixture. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Return turkey and simmer: Add the cooked ground turkey back to the pot. Partially cover and simmer the soup for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Add kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Finish with herbs and lemon: Gently fold in fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the soup.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt, cumin, and lemon juice to your preference. Optionally, sprinkle extra red chili flakes before serving. Enjoy your warm and flavorful ground turkey soup!
Notes
- This soup can be customized from a lighter broth to a thicker stew by adjusting or omitting the flour.
- Add red chili flakes to bring heat or omit if you prefer it milder.
- Use fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, lively flavor.
- Great as a cozy, nutritious winter meal that’s easy and quick to prepare.
- Can be stored refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 189 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1195 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
