The Delicious Story Behind Turkey Cabbage Soup
Imagine a soup that wraps you in warmth, nourishes your body, and brings comfort on the coldest of days. This Turkey and Cabbage Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a nutritious embrace that transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a bowl of pure satisfaction.
Born from the desire to create a light yet filling dish, this recipe celebrates the humble vegetables and lean protein that come together to create something truly special. Each spoonful tells a story of home cooking, wellness, and the kind of comfort that only a carefully prepared soup can provide.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- Lean Ground Turkey: 250g (8.8 oz)
- Cabbage: 1 medium head (approximately 800g / 1.8 lbs)
- Potatoes: 2 medium (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
- Carrots: 2 medium (about 160g / 5.6 oz)
- Onion: 1 medium (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
- Celery: 1 stalk (about 100g / 3.5 oz)
- Bay Leaves: 3 whole
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 10ml (2 teaspoons)
- Water: As needed
- Salt: To taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
- Prepare the Cabbage
- Remove outer leaves of cabbage
- Discard any damaged or wilted leaves
- Thoroughly wash remaining cabbage
- Pat dry with clean kitchen towel
- Chop cabbage coarsely into bite-sized pieces
- Prepare Other Vegetables
- Peel and slice onion
- Wash and chop celery
- Peel and dice carrots
- Peel and dice potatoes into uniform cubes
Cooking the Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Take a large pot or Dutch oven
- Add extra virgin olive oil
- Heat over medium flame
- Add sliced onion, celery, and diced carrots
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes
- Vegetables should soften but not brown
- Brown the Turkey
- Add ground turkey to the pot
- Break meat into small pieces with wooden spoon
- Cook until turkey is no longer pink
- Stir occasionally to ensure even browning
- This should take about 5-6 minutes
- Combine and Simmer
- Add chopped cabbage to the pot
- Add diced potatoes
- Drop in bay leaves
- Pour in enough water to cover ingredients
- Season with salt to taste
- Bring to a rolling boil
- Reduce heat to low
- Simmer for 40 minutes
- Stir occasionally
- Cook until potatoes are tender
- Ensure turkey is fully cooked
- Finish and Serve
- Remove bay leaves
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Ladle into warm bowls
- Optional: Serve with whole wheat bread croutons
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Fiber: 4-5g
- Vitamin A: 50-60% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 70-80% of daily value
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes Servings: 4-6
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Cabbage Prep: Remove tough core before chopping
- Vegetable Uniformity: Cut vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking
- Flavor Boost: Add garlic or herbs for extra depth
- Liquid Control: Add more water if soup becomes too thick
- Lean Protein: Use ground turkey breast for lowest fat content
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with lentils or plant-based protein
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or paprika
- Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower
- Protein Variation: Use chicken or lean beef instead of turkey
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q2: How long will the soup keep? A: Refrigerate for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup? A: Absolutely! Freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4: What can I serve with this soup? A: Whole grain bread, croutons, or a side salad work well.
Q5: Is this soup good for meal prep? A: Perfect for meal prep! Flavors develop and improve over time.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in sealed container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables in advance
- Serving Suggestion: Best served hot with a crusty bread
Warm your soul with this nourishing Turkey and Cabbage Soup—a bowl of pure comfort!
