Introduction
Pumpkin Turkey Soup is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for the fall and winter months. Combining ground turkey and creamy pumpkin pureé, this soup is not only healthy but also satisfying. It’s a great way to use seasonal ingredients while warming up on chilly days.
Why Make This Recipe
This soup is a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy days. Second, it’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the pumpkin and veggies, and offers a good source of protein from the turkey. Lastly, it is flavorful and filling, making it a complete meal in a bowl!
How to Make Pumpkin Turkey Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a warm and comforting bowl of pumpkin turkey soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 cup diced jalapeño peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 cup sour cream
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, and garlic in hot oil until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until it is crumbly and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in chicken broth, pumpkin puree, 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, and diced tomato. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the flavors combine, at least 20 minutes. Serve topped with the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
How to Serve Pumpkin Turkey Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can add more shredded cheese on top and a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess. This soup goes well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Pumpkin Turkey Soup
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Turkey Soup
- If you like a little spice, add more jalapeño peppers or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with black beans or lentils.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or corn, for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using shredded chicken instead of turkey. Additionally, different types of cheese can be used, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it until smooth before adding it to the soup.
2. Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten products.
3. Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! This soup stores well and can be made a day ahead. Just reheat it before serving.