The moment you dive into a warm bowl of this Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe, you’ll understand why it has quickly become one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. It’s a hearty and nourishing soup that beautifully combines tender smoked turkey with creamy white beans, fresh herbs, and garden vegetables. Every spoonful delivers a soul-soothing blend of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors that wrap you in cozy deliciousness. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just crave something wholesome and satisfying, this recipe is a true home-cooked delight that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in this Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe. From the smoky turkey to the fragrant herbs, everything works together to make this dish unforgettable.
- Smoked turkey (2 cups, diced or shredded): The star protein that infuses the soup with a smoky, rich flavor and satisfying bite.
- White beans (2 cans, 15 oz each or 3 cups cooked): Creamy and tender, these add heartiness and a silky texture.
- Yellow onion (1 large, finely chopped): Provides a slightly sweet, savory base for depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): Add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks (2, diced): Bring a subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Essential for a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (6 cups): The flavorful liquid that ties everything together without overpowering.
- Fresh thyme (2 sprigs) or dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Adds woodsy, herbal notes.
- Fresh rosemary (1 sprig) or dried rosemary (1/2 tsp): Offers a pine-like brightness to contrast the creaminess.
- Bay leaves (2): Slow-cooked to impart subtle aromatic complexity.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup chopped, plus extra for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): For gentle heat and spice balance.
- Salt (to taste): To enhance and unify all flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing the aromatics, contributing a rich mouthfeel.
How to Make Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften up nicely, about five to seven minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and forming the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Bloom the Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for about one minute. Keep stirring frequently so that you gently coax out its aromatic oils without burning it. This simple step will fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance hinting at what’s to come.
Step 3: Build the Base
Now it’s time to add the diced smoked turkey and drained white beans to the pot, stirring everything together. Pour in six cups of your chosen broth, and nestle in the fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves. Season with the black pepper and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic truly starts to come together as all those layers of flavor begin mingling.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup up to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As soon as you see bubbles rising, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to soften fully and gives time for the smoky turkey and herbs to impart depth and warmth to every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Once simmered, fish out the bay leaves and herb stems, then stir in the fresh parsley. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This finishing touch brightens the whole bowl and ensures every flavor sings in harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra parsley if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting combination of smoky, savory, and fresh tastes at their peak.
How to Serve Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and simple topping that adds a fresh, vibrant color and a slight herbal lift. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a handful of grated Parmesan can offer richness. A few crunchy croutons or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add textural contrast and a little heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread for dipping or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables make for a heartier meal, while warm cornbread offers a mildly sweet, buttery complement that’s perfect for soaking up every last spoonful of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic stoneware bowls for a cozy feel or in clear glass mugs to showcase its colorful ingredients. Creating a build-your-own soup bar with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges lets everyone customize their bowl. Alternatively, ladle it over a scoop of cooked grains for a stew-like experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed this Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes incredibly well thanks to its robust flavors and sturdy ingredients. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl anytime you want without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm straight from frozen on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to bring back its vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of smoked turkey?
You absolutely can use fresh turkey, but keep in mind the hearty smoky flavor that defines this recipe will be missing. To mimic that depth, you might add a smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke for a similar effect.
What types of white beans work best?
Cannellini and Great Northern beans are both excellent choices because of their creamy texture and mild flavor that hold up beautifully in this soup. If you only have another variety, just ensure they’re cooked until tender before adding.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free broth and avoid any suggestive toppings containing gluten. It’s a perfect hearty option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After sautéing the aromatics and garlic on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just add the fresh herbs toward the end to keep their flavors bright.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also garnish with diced fresh jalapeños or hot sauce at serving time to kick up the spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those recipes that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Its combination of smoky flavors, creamy beans, and vibrant vegetables makes it a versatile and satisfying meal any time of year. I can’t recommend enough giving this one a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort soup to share and savor with loved ones.
Print
Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Smoked Turkey White Bean Soup combines tender smoked turkey with creamy white beans and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is made by sautéing fresh vegetables, simmering with fresh and dried herbs, and finished with parsley for a fresh touch.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups smoked turkey, diced or shredded (about 10.5 oz)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked white beans
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
- Bloom Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release its aromatic oils without burning.
- Build Base: Stir in the diced smoked turkey, drained white beans, broth, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, bay leaves, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
- Finish & Season: Remove bay leaves and stems of herbs from the soup. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- If your smoked turkey is already fatty, you may reduce or omit the olive oil to lower the fat content.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the white beans before adding them or towards the end of simmering.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh is not available, but adjust amounts accordingly.
- This soup can be prepared a day ahead as flavors improve overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
