Southwestern Turkey Soup

Southwestern Turkey Soup Recipe - Delicious and Hearty

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 7

Introduction

Southwestern Turkey Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with tender turkey and nutritious beans and vegetables. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a gathering.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Southwestern cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of ingredients like cumin, garlic, and hot peppers. The addition of turkey adds a lean protein source to the dish, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 cup coarsely chopped cooked turkey
1.5 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.13 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can navy beans, drained
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can white whole kernel corn, drained
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can chicken broth
1 (4.5 oz (128 g)) can chopped green chiles, drained
0.75 cup quick-cooking wild rice, uncooked
7 tbsp sour cream

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in chopped turkey and the next 8 ingredients (turkey through chiles). Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in wild rice and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve soup with sour cream.
Yields 7 servings.

Variations

Substitute chicken for turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Top with shredded cheese or avocado slices for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the wild rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions until translucent to build flavor.

- Simmer the soup to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir in the wild rice at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use black beans or pinto beans instead of navy beans.

- Use regular rice or quinoa instead of wild rice.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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 cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this soup with a side of tortilla chips or a slice of avocado toast for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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

Each serving of Southwestern Turkey Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Turkey Soup contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Turkey Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Turkey Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and may contain gluten if wild rice is not certified gluten-free.

Summary

Southwestern Turkey Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southwestern Turkey Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Southwestern Turkey Soup. I was visiting my friend Maria in New Mexico, and she invited me over for dinner. I remember walking into her cozy little adobe house, the smell of spices and herbs filling the air. Maria had been simmering a pot of soup on the stove, and as soon as I took a sip, I knew I had to have the recipe.

Maria chuckled as she saw the look of delight on my face. "Ah, you like it, don't you?" she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations. I'd be happy to share it with you."

As we sat down to eat, Maria told me the story of how her great-grandmother had learned to make the soup from a Native American woman who lived in the nearby pueblo. The woman had shown her how to blend traditional Southwestern flavors with ingredients brought over by the Spanish settlers, creating a unique and delicious dish that had been a staple in their family ever since.

I listened intently as Maria described the process of making the soup, from roasting the turkey to simmering it with chili peppers, tomatoes, and corn. I could practically taste the rich, savory broth and the tender pieces of turkey in my mouth.

After dinner, Maria handed me a handwritten recipe card with the ingredients and instructions. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the soup for my own family back home.

When I returned to my kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work. I roasted the turkey until it was golden brown and fragrant, then added it to a pot with diced onions, garlic, and green chili peppers. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, a blend of smoky, spicy, and earthy scents that brought me back to Maria's kitchen in New Mexico.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I added tomatoes, corn, and a generous amount of cumin and chili powder. I stirred the pot gently, watching as the flavors melded together and the turkey became tender and succulent.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I took a tentative sip, then another, savoring the complex flavors and the warmth that spread through my body.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family. As they sat down to eat, I told them the story of how I had learned to make Southwestern Turkey Soup from my dear friend Maria in New Mexico. They listened with rapt attention, their eyes wide with anticipation.

As they took their first bites, I watched their faces light up with pleasure. The soup was a hit, just as I had known it would be. The flavors brought back memories of our trip to the Southwest, of the desert sun and the cool mountain air, of the Native American culture that had captivated us all.

And so, the recipe for Southwestern Turkey Soup became a beloved tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the world around us. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that moment in Maria's kitchen, where the scent of spices and herbs filled the air, and the taste of a truly special dish lingered on my tongue.