Tortilla Turkey Soup
A hearty, flavorful turkey soup infused with green chilies and spices, perfect for cozy meals and satisfying guests with its rich, comforting taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 6 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, with juice ⓘ
- 12 oz. boneless turkey ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen corn ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cilantro ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add drained diced green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, minced garlic, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir for 1 minute to combine the spices and aromatics.
- Pour in chicken stock and add the canned tomatoes with their juice.
- Bring the mixture just to a boil.
- Add boneless turkey and simmer until cooked, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider roasting the turkey beforehand. You can substitute the boneless turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add jalapeños. To enhance the flavor, try using homemade chicken stock if available. This soup can also be made vegetarian by replacing the turkey with extra beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortilla turkey soup hot, garnished with additional cilantro, avocado slices, or crispy tortilla strips for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Border Enchiladas or a side of warm cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving a fresh green salad alongside. This soup is great for meal prep and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens, add a little water or stock to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Turkey Soup contains roughly 1748 calories, with 52g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), protein (104% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2580mg per serving (112% 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 other types of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can easily substitute the boneless turkey with shredded chicken, ground beef, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the soup, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add more cayenne pepper, incorporate diced jalapeños, or use a spicier variety of green chilies. Topping the soup with sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce just before serving is also an effective way to add spice.
Can I freeze the tortilla turkey soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove, adding a bit of stock if necessary to restore the desired consistency.
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).