There’s something about a steaming bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, especially when the weather starts to get chilly. This Turkey White Bean Spinach Soup isn’t just healthy; it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. I swear, just the aroma alone can make you feel like you’re enveloped in a snug sweater, with all the flavors mingling together like an unexpected reunion of familiar friends.
Steps
- In a large pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper, then form into bite-sized pieces and drop them into the simmering broth.
- Stir in lemon juice and thyme, allowing the soup to simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the fresh spinach and drained Cannellini beans. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with shaved Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for added satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 5 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 15.5 ounces Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- A pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1053kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 128g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 4205mg | Potassium: 2115mg | Fiber: 15g | Vitamin A: 4975IU | Vitamin C: 82mg | Calcium: 585mg | Iron: 14mg
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought chicken stock for this soup?
- Yes, you can use store-bought chicken stock, but using homemade chicken stock will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- What are some alternatives to spinach in this soup?
- You can substitute spinach with fresh kale, green beans, or Bok Choy to add some variety.
- Can I freeze the Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup?
- Absolutely, this soup is excellent for freezing as it doesn’t contain a creamy broth, making it perfect for meal prep.
- What other meats can I use instead of ground turkey?
- You can replace ground turkey with ground beef, sausage, or even mix different meats. Diced rotisserie chicken is also a convenient option.
- Can I add cream to the soup for a richer taste?
- Yes, for a more indulgent version, you can add up to a cup of cream after adding the chicken broth.
Tips
- Opt for Homemade Chicken Stock: Elevate the flavor of your soup by using homemade chicken stock. It significantly enhances the taste, making your dish ten times more delicious.
- Embrace Versatility with Greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, feel free to substitute with other greens like kale, green beans, or Bok Choy. These alternatives can add a different texture and taste profile to your soup.
- Experiment with Different Meats: While ground turkey is the base for this soup, you can also try using ground beef, sausage, or even diced rotisserie chicken for a convenient twist. Mixing different meats can provide a unique flavor combination.
- Freeze for Future Meals: This soup is perfect for freezing since it doesn’t contain cream. Prepare a double batch and freeze portions for a quick, protein-rich lunch on busy days.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven – If you don’t already have a large soup pot or dutch oven, this is essential for making the soup.
- Garlic Press – Useful if you need to mince garlic frequently.
- Soup Ladle – Helpful for serving the soup.
