Southwestern Turkey Soup (Print view)

Hearty Tex-Mex style soup with turkey, black beans, corn, and bold spices ready in 45 minutes.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels, drained
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
09 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
10 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste

→ Liquids

11 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
19 - Juice of 1 lime
20 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Optional Garnishes

21 - Sliced avocado
22 - Crumbled tortilla chips
23 - Shredded cheese
24 - Sour cream

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aromatics.
04 - Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
06 - Reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in turkey and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional cilantro and desired toppings such as avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 45 minutes, it is an ideal weeknight dinner.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables, beans, and lean turkey protein.
  • Great for Leftovers: A delicious and creative way to use up remaining cooked turkey.
02 -
  • Caramelize the Paste: Cooking the tomato paste for a full minute before adding the broth helps to remove any raw metallic taste and adds depth.
  • Acidity Balance: The fresh lime juice added at the end is essential for brightening the flavors and cutting through the savory broth.
  • Make Ahead: This soup is often even more flavorful the next day after the spices have had more time to meld together in the refrigerator.
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