Southwestern Turkey Soup (Print Version)

Hearty Tex-Mex soup with turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in just 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 if canned
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 and 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 toast 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 cooked 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 garnishes such as fresh cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms leftovers into something exciting without feeling like youre eating the same meal twice.
  • The spices and lime juice bring such bright, layered flavor that it tastes like it simmered for hours.
  • Its flexible enough to swap proteins or add more vegetables without losing its soul.
  • The whole pot comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings or meal prep.
02 -
  • Toasting the spices before adding liquid is essential because it unlocks their full flavor and prevents them from tasting flat or dusty.
  • Dont skip the lime juice at the end, it cuts through the richness and makes every ingredient taste sharper and more vibrant.
  • If your soup tastes a little dull after simmering, add a pinch more salt or another squeeze of lime rather than more spices.
  • Let the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking if you have time, the flavors deepen and settle beautifully.
03 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken or store bought cooked turkey to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
  • If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the turkey.
  • Add the cilantro and lime juice right before serving to keep their flavors fresh and vibrant.
  • Taste the soup after simmering and adjust the spices, it should be bold and balanced, not flat or one note.
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