Italian Turkey Soup

Authentic Italian Turkey Soup Recipe - A Perfect Comfort Food

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian Turkey Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with vegetables, tender turkey, and savory broth, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Italian Turkey Soup is a modern twist on traditional Italian soups. It combines classic Italian flavors with the addition of turkey, a lean and protein-rich meat. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals, making it a popular choice for post-Thanksgiving dinners.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp dried basil
2 tsp fennel seeds
0.25 tsp dried crushed red pepper
6 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
2 medium zucchini, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 9 oz (255 g) package fresh cheese ravioli
1.5 cups diced cooked turkey

How to prepare

Heat oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, basil, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.
Add broth. Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add zucchini and carrot.
Cover and simmer until the carrot is almost tender, about 5 minutes.
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
Add ravioli and boil until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add turkey and cook just until heated through, about 1 minute.
Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Serve, passing cheese separately.

Variations

Use ground turkey instead of diced turkey for a different texture.
Add a can of white beans for extra protein and fiber.
Stir in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the soup, try using homemade chicken broth instead of canned.

- Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a thicker soup, you can add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato paste.

- Make sure to season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Italian Turkey Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth helps to develop their flavors.

- Boiling the ravioli separately and adding them to the soup at the end ensures that they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in place of ravioli.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as mushrooms or spinach.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Turkey Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color. Serve in a rustic bowl for a cozy and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Turkey Soup pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. A side of garlic bread or bruschetta is also a delicious accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (ravioli).

Summary

Italian Turkey Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Italian Turkey Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with vegetables, tender turkey, and savory broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it on a chilly evening for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Italian Turkey Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just returned home from a visit to my dear friend Maria's house. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always left her home feeling inspired and eager to try out new recipes in my own kitchen.

On this particular day, Maria had served me a steaming bowl of the most delicious turkey soup I had ever tasted. The rich broth, the tender chunks of turkey, the hearty vegetables - it was a perfect blend of flavors and textures. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

As Maria and I sipped our coffee and chatted in her cozy kitchen, she graciously shared the recipe with me. She told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had brought it with her from Italy many years ago. The secret, Maria said, was in the slow simmering of the broth and the careful selection of fresh, quality ingredients.

I listened intently as she walked me through the steps, taking notes in my worn recipe book as she spoke. I could hardly wait to get home and give it a try.

When I arrived back at my own kitchen, I wasted no time getting to work. I gathered the ingredients - a plump turkey breast, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, and broth - and set to chopping and simmering. The house soon filled with the savory aroma of the soup as it bubbled away on the stove.

As the soup simmered, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family, and still others from my own experiments in the kitchen. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of a moment shared with someone I loved.

I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me how to cook when I was just a young girl. She had shown me the importance of patience and care in the kitchen, of using the best ingredients and taking the time to savor each bite. Her legacy lived on in the recipes I had gathered over the years, each one a testament to her love and wisdom.

As the soup finished cooking, I ladled out a steaming bowlful and took a tentative sip. The flavors were just as I remembered - rich and comforting, with a hint of warmth from the herbs and spices. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make for years to come.

And so it was that I added Maria's recipe for Italian Turkey Soup to my collection, a treasure to be shared with friends and family alike. Each time I made it, I would think of Maria and her grandmother, of my own grandmother and all the lessons she had taught me. And as I sat down to enjoy a bowl of soup on a chilly autumn day, I would be filled with gratitude for the simple joy of good food and good company.