Skinny Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring lean ground turkey, potatoes, carrots, and vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting, low-fat meal that warms the soul. Rich in vegetables and grains, it suits those seeking a nutritious, filling dish with classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey ⓘ
- 2 qt water ⓘ
- 4 bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 5 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup barley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 (46 oz) can V-8 juice ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans ⓘ
- celery salt (sprinkle) ⓘ
- garlic salt (sprinkle) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey and set aside.
- In a large pot, combine water and bouillon cubes and bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onions, barley, rice, V-8 juice, and tomatoes to the pot.
- Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the cooked meat, kidney beans, and seasonings, then cook for an additional 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water and bouillon cubes. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or mushrooms. You can also add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or add more barley and rice.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For a little heat, serve with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top. Consider a side of Diabetic Smunchies for a healthy snack option. Enjoy it as a filling lunch or dinner option on chilly days.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, and heat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skinny Soup contains roughly 1564 calories, with 89g protein, 257g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (284% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (215% of the Daily Value), and protein (178% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg per serving (58% 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 make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the turkey separately, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the barley with quinoa or additional rice, as barley contains gluten. Always check the labels on canned ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add more protein to this soup?
Yes, you can enhance the protein content by adding more beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, or by including diced chicken or tofu. This makes it even heartier and more nutritious.
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).