Slow Cooker Vegetable and Ground Turkey Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 480 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 2 cups diced celery
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 quart chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cups sliced zucchini
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (Optional)

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey, salt, and black pepper, and cook until turkey is browned. Break up the turkey into rough 1/2-inch chunks using a wooden spoon, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Transfer the cooked turkey to a 5-quart slow cooker and set the cooker to low.

Step 4: Using the same skillet, add celery, carrots, and onion. Cook while stirring until the onions turn translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the slow cooker. Stir in Italian seasoning. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours.

Step 6: Halfway through the cooking time, stir in zucchini slices, replace the lid, and continue cooking.

Step 7: When ready to serve, stir in lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 8: Tear up spinach leaves and place about 1/4 cup of them in the bottom of each soup bowl. Pour the hot soup over the spinach, stir, and serve. Optionally, garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Tips

For the best texture and color, consider adding the spinach at the end, just before serving. While you can add the spinach at the beginning or with the zucchini, the spinach will retain a better texture and vibrant color when added raw to the serving bowls, wilting with the hot soup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 221

• Total Fat: 10g (13% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (12% DV)
• Cholesterol: 61mg (20% DV)
• Sodium: 483mg (21% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Total Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 21g (41% DV)
• Vitamin C: 28mg (31% DV)
• Calcium: 139mg (11% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (20% DV)
• Potassium: 883mg (19% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This comforting and nutritious dish is a great way to get your servings of vegetables while enjoying a hearty, protein-packed meal. The Slow Cooker Vegetable and Ground Turkey Soup combines fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and celery with lean ground turkey, creating a deliciously filling soup that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Ideal for busy days, its cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours.

Origin and History

The origins of vegetable and turkey-based soups can be traced back to traditional American cooking, where hearty, flavorful soups have been a staple for generations. This particular recipe, however, takes advantage of the modern convenience of the slow cooker, a kitchen appliance that has revolutionized home cooking since its introduction in the 1970s. The use of ground turkey is a more recent innovation, as lean poultry began to gain popularity in the late 20th century as a healthier alternative to higher-fat meats. Today, ground turkey is often used as a substitute for beef or pork in various dishes, including soups, to provide a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

Regional Features

Although this soup is a classic example of American comfort food, the use of ground turkey as the primary protein makes it a lighter version of traditional soups that might feature beef or sausage. The vegetables used in the recipecarrots, celery, zucchini, and spinachare common in American kitchens and reflect the countrys abundance of farm-fresh produce. Additionally, the Italian seasoning blend adds a Mediterranean flair, suggesting an influence from Italian-American cooking traditions. The flexibility of the dish also makes it adaptable to various regional tastes and ingredient availability, as you can swap vegetables or seasonings depending on whats in season or on hand.

What Sets This Soup Apart

While vegetable soups are common across many cuisines, what distinguishes this Slow Cooker Vegetable and Ground Turkey Soup is its combination of lean ground turkey and fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables, making it both hearty and healthy. Unlike more calorie-dense stews or creamy soups, this recipe focuses on clean ingredients that are light yet filling. The addition of lemon juice before serving provides a fresh, zesty contrast to the savory flavors, while the optional Parmesan cheese garnish gives it a rich, indulgent finish without overwhelming the other tastes.

Where Its Typically Served

This soup is perfect for a family dinner or a meal-prep option, as it yields 12 servings. Its often served as a main course in homes or during gatherings where a healthy yet satisfying dish is needed. The soup can be served with crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. It is especially popular during the colder months, providing a comforting and nourishing dish to warm up after a long day. Thanks to its simplicity and flexibility, it's also commonly found at potlucks or gatherings, where its sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Interesting Facts

1. Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative to beef or pork in soups, as it offers a lower fat content while still providing a rich source of protein.
2. Slow cookers were originally marketed in the 1970s as a time-saving tool for busy families, and they have become a mainstay in kitchens around the world.
3. Zucchini, a key ingredient in this soup, is a summer squash that is widely grown in the United States. Its often used in both savory and sweet dishes.
4. Spinach, another important ingredient, is packed with vitamins A and C and is known for its health benefits, including supporting eye health and boosting immunity.
5. Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking not only brightens the soup's flavor but also enhances its nutritional profile with a boost of vitamin C.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Vegetable and Ground Turkey Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that combines the best of American comfort food with Mediterranean influences. It's perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're feeding a family or preparing meals for the week, this recipe offers convenience, deliciousness, and nutritional value all in one. Enjoy it as part of your meal rotation and discover how easy it can be to eat well with minimal effort.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Vegetable and Ground Turkey Soup Recipe