Southwestern Turkey Soup Recipe

Southwestern Turkey Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 30 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 8 servings.

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 cups shredded cooked turkey
  • 2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • teaspoon dried cilantro
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Step 1: In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, shredded turkey, chopped fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped onion, green chile peppers, minced garlic, and lime juice over medium heat. Season the mixture with cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Bring the contents to a boil, then reduce the heat. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Stir in the diced avocado and dried cilantro. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly.

Step 4: Serve the soup in bowls and top each portion with shredded Monterey Jack cheese for added creaminess and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information Per Serving
Calories 184
Total Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 33mg
Sodium 632mg
Total Carbohydrate 12g
Dietary Fiber 4g
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 25mg
Calcium 164mg
Iron 2mg
Potassium 494mg

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Origin and History

The Southwestern Turkey Soup is a contemporary dish inspired by the bold flavors of the American Southwest. While it's difficult to pinpoint an exact origin, the soup likely evolved from traditional Southwestern stews that combine turkey or chicken with a variety of regional spices and vegetables. The flavors of cumin, cayenne, and lime are staples in Southwestern cuisine, which blends Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. Turkey, a popular protein in American households, is often used to create hearty, satisfying soups that can be enjoyed year-round, particularly after holiday meals. This soup represents a modern take on the rich, spicy soups typical of the region.

Regional Variations

The Southwestern United States, which includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of California, is known for its distinctive culinary style. Southwestern cuisine uses an abundance of chiles, beans, corn, and tomatoes, which are present in this soup. Many variations of this recipe exist, depending on the local availability of ingredients. For example, some versions might include more robust vegetables like roasted corn or even wild rice, while others might replace turkey with chicken or pork. The use of fresh cilantro and avocado as garnishes is common in Southwestern dishes, adding a fresh and creamy contrast to the spicy flavors of the soup.

How This Soup Differs from Similar Dishes

Southwestern Turkey Soup shares many characteristics with other hearty soups, such as chicken tortilla soup or turkey chili, but its flavor profile sets it apart. The addition of green chiles and lime juice gives it a distinct Southwestern twist, while the creamy avocado and Monterey Jack cheese add richness and texture. Unlike typical chicken or vegetable soups, this soup uses turkey as the primary protein, making it a perfect choice for utilizing leftover turkey from a holiday feast. The combination of cumin, cayenne, and dried cilantro offers a depth of flavor that's uniquely Southwestern.

Where It's Usually Served

This soup is commonly served in casual dining settings, particularly in the Southwest region of the United States. It is a popular choice in Mexican restaurants, cafes, and diners where Southwestern cuisine is featured. Because of its hearty nature, it's often enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by a side of cornbread or tortilla chips. The soup can also be found at home gatherings, especially during the fall and winter months when comfort foods are in high demand. It's a great dish for using up leftover turkey, making it a favorite after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Fun Facts

  • Avocado, a key ingredient in this soup, is often called the "butter fruit" due to its creamy texture, which pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the soup.
  • While this soup is typically made with turkey, it can easily be adapted to suit other proteins like chicken or even beef, depending on what you have available.
  • Southwestern cuisine is famous for its bold use of chiles, and this soup's flavor profile includes both green chiles and cayenne pepper, which gives it a kick of heat without being overwhelming.
  • The inclusion of lime juice adds a zesty citrus note, which helps balance out the richness of the turkey and the spices in the soup.

Whether you're looking to recreate a classic Southwestern dish or make use of leftover turkey, this recipe for Southwestern Turkey Soup offers a delicious and satisfying meal with a flavorful twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the spice levels to your tastethis soup is as versatile as it is delicious!

FAQ about Southwestern Turkey Soup Recipe

Leftover Southwestern Turkey Soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, make sure the soup is heated to a rolling boil before serving.

Yes, you can substitute turkey with chicken. Many users have swapped turkey with shredded chicken or even chicken broth, and the soup still turns out delicious. The cooking process remains the same.

Yes, you can easily make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 4-6 hours. Stir in avocado and cilantro just before serving.

To make the soup spicier, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add additional spicy ingredients like chipotle peppers, red pepper flakes, or more green chilies. Adjust to your preferred heat level.

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add vegetables such as corn, carrots, celery, or spinach to make the soup heartier. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender.

Yes, you can use frozen turkey or chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup. If you're using frozen meat, you might want to let it thaw first for even cooking.

Yes, you can omit the avocado if you prefer or if you don't have any on hand. The soup will still be flavorful without it, though the avocado adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a blender to purée part of the soup or add a small amount of cornstarch or flour. You can also reduce the soup by simmering it longer to allow the liquid to evaporate.

Yes, the Southwestern Turkey Soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that all the ingredients, such as broth and canned tomatoes, are free from gluten. Always check labels for hidden gluten sources.

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it may taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, reheat thoroughly.

Comments

Deborah Green

12/06/2024 04:45:45 AM

Delightful and effortless! I can imagine it would taste excellent with chicken as well. Following others' advice, I included a can of Rotel tomatoes, black beans, extra cumin, and a tablespoon of chili powder. I used diced tomatoes instead of whole ones, sautéed the onion with triple the garlic, and let it simmer in the slow cooker on high for a couple of hours. Then, I stirred in 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, around 1/4 cup of sour cream, and half of the cheese. We personalized our bowls with additional sour cream, cheese, and avocado to our liking. Next time, I'll mix the sour cream separately before adding it to the soup to avoid clumping. Thank you, Doug!

Kathleen Perez

07/24/2023 09:17:59 AM

My husband absolutely adored this soup! I made a few slight tweaks by using two cans of black beans, 4 cloves of garlic, 1/4 tsp of paprika instead of cumin, and chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. The end result was fantastic! I topped it off with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. I simply threw all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it cook for 6 hours without any checking. When I came back home, I dished it out and was blown away by how delicious and effortless it was! What more could you ask for?

David Taylor

12/05/2024 06:33:15 PM

Great solution for utilizing leftover turkey pieces. I simply tossed everything into a 3-quart crockpot - leftover turkey, a can of stewed tomatoes, rinsed and drained black beans, and some homemade turkey and vegetable broth. To spice it up, I added a dash of chipotle chili powder and a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. I cooked it on low for 8-9 hours and by the 4-hour mark, my house was filled with delightful aromas.

Eric Torres

09/15/2023 07:24:32 PM

Wonderful flavors! I simply followed a recipe as a guide and prepared this dish in a large slow cooker. I used roasted Anaheim peppers from my garden, along with celery and carrots. I simmered the leftover turkey bones from Thanksgiving to create a flavorful base, straining out any bones and debris. I didn't have any tomatoes on hand, so I omitted them. Additionally, I added some wild rice for extra texture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment!

Kenneth Lee

04/20/2024 12:02:43 AM

I didn't exactly follow the recipe, but the dish turned out pretty good! After reading some reviews, I decided to sauté the garlic and onion first, then added diced seasoned tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, turkey, and seasoning with cumin and cayenne. I also included corn and black beans, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The result was very tasty - warm and not too spicy. I served it with tortilla chips, cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, and avocado on the side. Adding some sour cream would have been a nice touch, but I didn't have any on hand. It was a delicious way to use up leftover turkey and corn from Thanksgiving! Best of all, it was far from boring. I hope this review is helpful - enjoy!

Brian Carter

01/15/2024 09:31:16 PM

This recipe served as an excellent foundation for a delicious soup. I utilized a turkey carcass to create a flavorful broth, to which I incorporated two small cans of crushed tomatoes. Due to time constraints, I omitted fresh aromatics on this occasion, but plan to include sautéed onion, garlic, and jalapeno in my next batch. To enhance the flavors, I squeezed in two limes, resulting in a delightful taste profile reminiscent of Tom Yam with a Southwestern twist. While the initial spice level fell short for me, I adjusted it to my preference and included black beans and corn for added texture and depth.

Gregory Jackson

05/17/2023 11:40:56 AM

Delicious and easy-to-make, this healthy turkey soup has become my new favorite.

Helen Cruz

10/26/2024 06:52:15 PM

Delicious! I elevated it following CookinMommy's recommendations.

Sandra Phillips

02/07/2025 05:47:42 PM

I absolutely adore this soup and cook it often. Whenever we have leftover turkey from our meals, which happens about 5-6 times a year, I always whip up a batch of this soup. I opt for turkey broth made from the bones instead of vegetable broth. To give it an extra kick, I throw in a can of corn and black beans. I like to amp up the cayenne and cumin a tad and use fresh cilantro when it's available. I usually skip the cheese because I find the soup delicious on its own.

Amanda Moore

09/22/2023 05:28:14 PM

I've prepared this recipe numerous times with different twists. For this version, I opted for homemade turkey stock without the turkey meat, creating a flavorful Southwestern Turkey Vegetable Soup. You can customize it with veggies like celery, carrots, potatoes, spinach, and more. The spices add a nice kick, which we enjoy. What I adore about this recipe is its versatility. Make it your own!

Jason Turner

03/10/2023 03:14:21 AM

I absolutely loved it after incorporating black beans, corn, extra garlic, and swapping whole canned tomatoes for petite canned tomatoes and a can of Rotel. I also squeezed in more lime juice. Delicious!