Oh, you know that feeling when the weather turns crisp and all you crave is a big, warm bowl of something comforting? That’s where this High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup comes in! Seriously, this soup is my absolute go-to when I need a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with everything good – tons of protein to keep you full, fiber-rich quinoa, and a flavor that just warms you from the inside out.
I remember the first time I made this. It was a freezing cold day, and I was craving something healthy but still totally satisfying. I was shocked at how easy it was, and it’s quickly become a family favorite. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour, so it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a nutritious and delicious dinner on the table. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
Okay, let me tell you why I’m completely obsessed with this soup! Seriously, it hits all the marks:
- Super easy to make! Seriously, beginner cook friendly.
- Packed with protein, thanks to the turkey – keeps you full and energized.
- Totally healthy & nutritious, with all those veggies and the amazing quinoa providing a good source of fiber.
- Flavorful and satisfying! It’s the perfect cozy meal.
- Great for meal prep! Make a big batch and you have lunch (or dinner!) ready for days.
Ingredients for *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
Alright, before we get started, let’s gather our troops! You’ll need these simple ingredients to create this deliciousness. Don’t worry, it’s nothing crazy, and you probably have most of it already!
- 1 tablespoon of good quality olive oil
- 1 pound of ground turkey – you can use lean, but don’t be afraid of a little fat for extra flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, trust me!).
- 8 cups of chicken broth – low sodium so you can control the salt.
- 1 cup of quinoa, make sure it is rinsed!
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – or more to taste!
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – freshly cracked is nice.
- 1 cup of frozen peas – no need to thaw them!
How to Make *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, let’s get cooking! This soup is seriously a breeze to make. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!
- Get Started with the Olive Oil: First up, grab your big pot or Dutch oven (the kind you use for everything – I know you have one!). Turn the heat to medium and pour in the olive oil. Let it warm up a bit – about a minute or two.
- Brown the Turkey: Dump in your ground turkey! Use a spoon or spatula to break it up and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through, of course – no pink! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Careful, it splatters!
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them until they start to soften up, about 5 minutes. You want them to be tender.
- Garlic Time! Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds – until you can smell that amazing aroma. Mmm, garlic.
- Soup’s On! Pour in the chicken broth, then add the rinsed quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir.
- Simmer, Baby, Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked. You’ll know it’s done when it’s light and fluffy!
- Pea-fect Finish: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Warm and delicious peas!
- Serve and Enjoy!: That’s it! Your soup is ready. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy a big, warm hug in every spoonful.
And that’s literally it! So easy, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients! I always get questions about swaps, so here’s the lowdown. Knowing what each ingredient does helps you make the best soup *for you*.
Turkey Talk: Why Ground Turkey?
I love using ground turkey because it’s lean, packed with protein, and cooks quickly! Plus, it soaks up all those delicious flavors from the broth and veggies. But hey, if turkey isn’t your jam, no worries! You can totally swap it out for ground chicken or even ground beef. Just make sure to drain off any extra grease if you use beef.
Quinoa Quick Tips
Quinoa is the star carb here! It’s nutty, cooks up perfectly, and is a great source of protein and fiber. Make sure you rinse it really well before using it! This gets rid of the slightly bitter coating. You can use any color quinoa you like—white, red, or even a mix. If you don’t like quinoa, brown or wild rice works well too.
Tips for Success: Making the Best *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
Listen, even the best recipes need a little tweaking, right? Here are my tried-and-true secrets for making this soup absolutely sing! Trust me, these little things make a huge difference.
Get That Turkey Browned!
Don’t rush the browning process! Taking the time to brown your ground turkey over medium heat is key! That caramelization builds so much flavor, it’s totally worth it.
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse that Quinoa!
Always, always rinse your quinoa! It gets rid of that slightly bitter coating and makes all the difference in the final taste. Trust me, you don’t want a gritty soup, ugh!
Season to Your Liking!
Taste as you go and don’t be shy about adjusting the seasonings! I usually add a little extra salt and pepper at the end. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so trust yours!
Variations on the *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup* Recipe
Okay, so you think this soup is good? Just wait until you try these twists! You can totally make this your own by adding some fun extras. Feel free to get creative in the kitchen!
Veggie Power-Ups! Want to boost the nutrients? Throw in a handful of spinach or kale at the end. Zucchini adds a nice texture, too.
Herb Garden: A bay leaf while simmering adds such a nice background flavor, just don’t forget to take it out before serving! Fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice stirred in at the end brightens things up.
Spice It Up!: Need a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes is your friend! Or a dash of your favorite hot sauce after serving it
Serving Suggestions for Your *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
So, you’ve got this amazing soup, right? Now, what to serve *with* it? Don’t worry, I got you! This soup is already pretty complete, but here are some ideas to make it a real meal!
A simple side salad is always a win – a little green to go with the protein! Or, if you want something to soak up all that yummy broth, crusty bread is a must. A simple sandwich, maybe a grilled cheese or some turkey on whole wheat, will do the trick too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
Okay, so you made a big ol’ pot of soup, awesome! Now, what do you do with all those leftovers? Don’t even worry, it’s super easy to store and reheat. Leftovers are the best part, right?
To Store: Let the soup cool completely before you store it. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days, but honestly, it probably won’t last that long – it’s *that* good!
Freezing: Wanna save some for later? You can freeze the soup, too! Just put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat: You can reheat this deliciousness on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, just heat it gently until it’s warmed all the way through. If you’re microwaving, do it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Easy Peasy!
Nutritional Information for *High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup*
Just a little heads-up! The nutritional info is just an estimate, because everyone measures their ingredients a little differently, and brands vary. Nutritional information can vary depending upon the ingredients and brands you choose.
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High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and nutritious soup packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, chicken broth, quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked.
- Stir in peas and cook for 2 minutes.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering. Remove before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: turkey soup, quinoa soup, high protein soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup