Description
Hearty ground turkey and rice soup warms winter evenings with comforting Mediterranean flavors. Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that nourishes body and soul while delivering delicious, wholesome goodness you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground turkey
Rice and Grains:
- 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
Liquid and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped carrots and celery, stirring and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to develop vegetable flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle uncooked rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the pot.
- Raise heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
- Cover the pot and allow soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and absorbs broth.
- Carefully remove bay leaf and perform a final seasoning check, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef for variety, ensuring the protein remains lean and low-fat.
- Add diced zucchini or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking to boost vegetable content and nutritional value.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased fiber and a more nutritious meal, adjusting cooking time slightly to accommodate longer rice preparation.
- Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick, convenient meals, which stay fresh for up to 3 months when properly stored in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg