Kit Carson Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining tender turkey, vegetables, chickpeas, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. broiler-fryer or 2 turkey drumsticks ⓘ
- 1 onion, quartered ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, cut up ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tsp. salt
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp. Mexican seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 yellow crookneck squash, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (garbanzos) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 3 tbsp. salted sunflower or pumpkin seeds ⓘ
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 3 lb. broiled or boiled fillet ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper, white onions, and celery ⓘ
- 6 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 gallon water ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onion tops ⓘ
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Make a roux by cooking flour and grease in a large pot until the mixture darkens to the color of peanut butter.
- Add ingredients to the roux and allow to simmer for 25 minutes.
- Add cooked fish or turkey fillet to the pot.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring carefully from side to side occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade stock instead of water. If you don't have chickpeas, white beans or lentils can be good substitutes. When making the roux, stir constantly to prevent burning, and adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially if you enjoy a bit more heat. You can also add in seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside Mississippi Baked Turkey for a delicious combination that will satisfy your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Kit Carson Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if the soup has thickened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kit Carson Soup contains roughly 1020 calories, with 41g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (373% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (289% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1599mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests broiler-fryer or turkey drumsticks, you can substitute with chicken thighs, beef, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper or incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find the right level of spice for your preference.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).