Description
This comforting ground turkey soup is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs, making it a nutritious and hearty meal. Featuring lean ground turkey, fennel, and leafy greens simmered in a rich chicken bone broth with gluten-free pasta, this soup is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Its aromatic blend of thyme, rosemary, and oregano complements the savory base, while fresh basil brightens every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Liquids & Others
- 1 cup nomato sauce (tomato sauce alternative)
- 4 cups chicken bone broth or stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup grain-free AIP pasta (optional, for gluten-free option)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat or use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to warm it up.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onions, diced celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook fennel: Stir in the thinly sliced fennel and cook until it softens and releases its subtle anise aroma.
- Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot along with sea salt, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and herbs: Stir in the nomato sauce, chicken bone broth, water, and chopped fresh basil. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Add the spinach or kale during the last few minutes, stirring until wilted.
- Add pasta if desired: If using pasta, bring the soup back to a boil and stir in the grain-free pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente according to package instructions.
- Instant Pot option: For Instant Pot preparation, follow steps 1-4 using the sauté function, then seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Slow cooker option: For slow cooker preparation, complete steps 1-4 on the stovetop. Transfer to slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Finishing touches: Optionally, sprinkle extra fresh basil on top before serving for added brightness and aroma.
Notes
- Grain-free AIP pasta is optional. You may omit it for a lower-carb or paleo-friendly version.
- Adjust sea salt according to taste and dietary needs.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be added at the end to preserve their bright flavor.
- This recipe can be made in a stockpot, Instant Pot, or slow cooker depending on your preference and time.
- Using chicken bone broth adds more depth and nutrition compared to regular broth or water.
