Southwestern Turkey Soup (Printable Version)

Vibrant Tex-Mex soup with tender turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and aromatic spices ready in 45 minutes.

# What You'll 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
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, plus additional 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

# Directions:

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; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to activate and bloom the spices.
04 - Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
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 turkey and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro and desired toppings such as avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's ready faster than the time it takes to decide what to order for delivery, yet tastes like genuine comfort food.
  • One pot means one cleanup, and honestly, that's half the battle on a weeknight.
  • You can pile it high with whatever you have on hand, making it feel different every time you make it.
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free without tasting like a compromise.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the spices dry in the oil for that full minute, it's the secret move that prevents them from tasting bitter or flat.
  • The lime juice at the end is non-negotiable, it's what makes your guests lean in and ask what they're tasting besides the obvious ingredients.
03 -
  • If your broth tastes like it's dominating, that's usually salt talking, so always taste before you add more seasoning.
  • The frozen corn doesn't need thawing, it will warm through during the simmer and releases its own sweetness into the broth.
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