Southern turkey soup is a hearty soup and a healthy source of lean protein; according to LIVESTRONG's DailyPlate, one serving of turkey soup contains 21.7g of protein, along with 248 calories and 6.4 g of fat. Smoked turkey, kale and navy beans lend turkey soup a rustic Southern flavor, and the addition of mushrooms and diced bacon makes it a hearty meal.
Step 1
Dice the onions, carrots and bacon, and slice the mushrooms into small pieces. Tear the kale into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Place the pot over medium heat and add oil.
Step 3
Add the diced vegetables once the oil is hot and saute until the onions are translucent.
Step 4
Add the beans, mushrooms, cayenne, thyme, parsley and bay leaf to the mixture and saute for 30 seconds, or until the spices are toasted in the oil.
Step 5
Mix in the chicken base, smoked turkey, diced bacon and 6 to 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 6
Add the kale and more water if required to thin the soup. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
Step 7
Taste the beans to ensure they are fully cooked. Taste the broth and add salt and pepper to taste.
Tips and Warnings
- You may not need to add salt, depending on the saltiness of the smoked turkey. For a complete meal, serve on a bed of rice.
Things You'll Need
- Large pot
- 3 lbs smoked turkey
- 2 to 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 1/3 cups navy beans
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bunch kale
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. cayenne
- 7 sprigs thyme
- 3 sprigs parsley
- 1 tsp. chicken base
- 2 tbsp. oil
- 6 to 8 cups water
- Salt and pepper
References
- United States Department of Agriculture: Protein Foods -- Why Is It Important to Make Lean or Low-fat Choices from the Protein Foods Group?
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Turkey Soup
- What We're Eating: A Rustic Bean, Kale and Turkey Soup
- Capital Spice: Smoked Turkey Soup with Kale -- Alice Waters Even Makes Holiday Leftovers Taste Good
- Food & Wine: Turkey and Black-Bean Soup
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