Turkey Veg Soup

This heartwarming turkey veg soup recipe, courtesy of my friend Betsy (@betsys_table), is a family favorite for those chilly winter nights. It's perfect for making in big batches and freezing for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore.

Ingredients:

• 2 swigs of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 pounds ground turkey meat

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

• 3 pinches of salt

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes

• 1 can black beans, well rinsed

• 1 can garbanzo beans, well rinsed

• 1 quart vegetable broth

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup chopped green beans (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large stock pot, heat the EVOO over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they become fragrant.

2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground turkey meat to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

3. Season the Mixture: Once the meat is browned, stir in the ground cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Adjust these seasonings to taste.

4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the chopped carrots, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, black beans, garbanzo beans, vegetable broth, corn kernels, and green beans to the pot.

5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve or Freeze: Serve the soup hot. Alternatively, let it cool and then freeze it in suitable containers for a quick and comforting meal on busier days.

Notes:

• Feel free to adjust the seasoning after tasting. The spices can be increased or decreased according to your preference.

• This soup is very versatile; you can add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand.

• Remember to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.

Enjoy this cozy and nutritious soup that's just as good fresh as it is reheated from frozen!