Description
Hearty ground turkey and rice soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rich, warming blend of tender meat and fluffy grains. Nutritious ingredients and simple preparation make this soup a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Grains:
- 6 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- ½ cup white or brown rice
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein base by searing ground turkey in a spacious cooking vessel, using moderate heat. Crumble the meat while it browns, ensuring even cooking and rendering out excess lipids.
- Introduce a medley of aromatic vegetables – finely chopped onions, crisp carrots, and tender celery – into the pot. Allow them to soften and release their natural essences, creating a flavor foundation.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to awaken its intense aromatics without risking burnt undertones.
- Flood the pot with rich broth and include diced tomatoes, creating a liquid base that will transform into a comforting soup.
- Sprinkle in fragrant herbs and spices – thyme, oregano, paprika – along with measured seasoning to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Gently add uncooked rice, allowing it to absorb the surrounding flavors and liquid while maintaining its structural integrity.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture gently simmer, permitting rice to absorb liquid and turkey to become perfectly tender. Monitor consistency and prevent excessive liquid evaporation.
- During the final moments of cooking, introduce vibrant leafy greens like spinach or kale, letting them wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup.
- Brighten the entire dish with a splash of citrusy lemon juice, adding a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving vessels, presenting a hearty, nutritious meal ready to be savored.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and texture.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the soup.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat.
- Enhance meal prep by making larger batches and freezing individual portions for quick, convenient meals during busy weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg