Southwestern Turkey Soup (Print Version)

Hearty Tex-Mex style soup loaded with turkey, black beans, corn, and zesty spices for a comforting meal.

# What You Need:

→ 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, optional
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, or to taste
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

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño if using; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
04 - Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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 shredded turkey. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot with desired toppings such as avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The flavor complexity builds with each spoonful, yet it comes together in just 45 minutes with ingredients you probably already have tucked away in your pantry.
  • This soup somehow manages to be both hearty enough for dinner and light enough that you wont feel weighed down after enjoying a bowl.
02 -
  • Adding the tomato paste and allowing it to cook for a full minute before introducing liquids dramatically deepens the flavor – I skipped this step once and immediately noticed the soup lacked its usual complex richness.
  • The soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator, so don't hesitate to make it ahead for even more impressive results.
03 -
  • If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken makes an excellent substitute for turkey, and you can use the carcass to make quick broth for an even deeper flavor.
  • For guests who prefer different spice levels, keep a bottle of hot sauce on the table and a bowl of extra lime wedges – they can adjust their own bowls to taste.
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