White Bean & Turkey Soup
A cozy, healthy soup made with white beans and a bone-in smoked turkey leg, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb dried white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and soaked overnight Properly soaked beans cook evenly and reduce stomach rumblings.
- 1 piece bone-in smoked turkey leg (about 1–1.5 lbs) My substitute for the classic ham hock.
- 1 large onion, chopped Yellow onions are sweeter; white onions offer a sharper note.
- 2 pieces carrots, chopped Adds color and natural sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped Provides flavor base for the soup.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Essential for flavor.
Broth and Herbs
- 6 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium broth) Adjust salt later as needed.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Thyme complements beans and poultry.
- 1 piece bay leaf Adds aroma.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to personal preference.
Garnish
- 1 bunch Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse 1 lb of white beans and soak them overnight in water.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, place the smoked turkey leg and cover it with 6 cups of chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Add soaked beans, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beans are tender and turkey is cooked through.
Finishing
- Remove the turkey leg, shred the meat, discard the bone, and return the shredded meat to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mash a cup of beans and stir them back in for thickness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To enhance the soup's flavor profile, consider mashing a cup of beans back into the pot for a silkier texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 3g
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