Make a Delicious Bean Soup with Smoked Turkey

Bean soup with smoked turkey is a hearty, healthy, and delicious soup that is perfect for fall and winter This soup can be made in a variety of ways, but using smoked turkey gives it lots of extra flavor Let’s explore how to make the best bean soup with smoked turkey.

Why Use Smoked Turkey?

Smoked turkey adds a delicious smoky and salty flavor to bean soups. The naturally smoked meat infuses the broth with a richer, deeper taste. Using smoked turkey wings, legs, or drumsticks rather than smoked ham hocks also reduces the fat and sodium content of the soup. It’s a healthier swap that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.

Selecting Beans

You can use a variety of beans in smoked turkey bean soup. Some good options include

• Northern beans
• Pinto beans
• Lima beans
• Kidney beans
• White beans
• Black beans
• Chickpeas

Using a mix of 2-3 different beans adds nice texture and visual appeal Canned or dried beans both work well With dried, you’ll need to soak them overnight before cooking.

Aromatics and Seasonings

An onion, carrots, celery, and garlic provide the aromatic base for smoked turkey bean soup. For seasonings, options like smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper are all excellent choices. You can also add a touch of heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Liquid

The broth is key to making a flavorful pot of bean soup. Use chicken or vegetable broth as the base. For extra richness, add a Parmesan rind while simmering. Tomatoes also add nice acidity, color, and flavor. You can use diced tomatoes or tomato paste.

Cooking Methods

There are several good options for cooking bean soup with smoked turkey:

• Slow cooker: Add all ingredients and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
• Stovetop: Simmer bean soup for 2-3 hours on the stovetop, adding more broth as needed.
• Oven: Cook the soup in a Dutch oven at 350°F for 3-4 hours.

Allowing the soup to cook low and slow extracts the most flavor from the beans, vegetables, and smoked turkey.

Finishing Touches

Before serving, remove the smoked turkey meat from the bones and shred or chop it. Add the shredded turkey back to the pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Some other tasty finishers include:

• Fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Hot sauce
• Lime juice
• Cilantro

Serve the bean soup with smoked turkey piping hot with a side of bread or a green salad for a satisfying meal.

Sample Recipes

Here are a few delicious bean soup with smoked turkey recipes to try:

Tuscan Smoked Turkey Bean Soup

• 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 smoked turkey legs
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer beans, turkey legs, aromatics, and seasonings for 3-4 hours until beans are tender. Shred turkey and mix back into soup. Finish with grated Parmesan.

15 Bean Soup with Smoked Turkey

• 1 pound 15 bean soup mix
• 1-2 pounds smoked turkey wings or legs
• 4 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• Diced tomatoes
• Chili peppers
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Bay leaves
• 9 cups broth

Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Shred turkey and mix back in before serving.

Hurst’s Turkey 15 Bean Soup

• 1 bag Hurst’s 15 bean soup mix
• 2 smoked turkey legs or wings
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth

Cook in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Remove turkey meat and shred before serving.

Tips for the Best Bean Soup

Follow these tips for flavorful, creamy bean soup:

• Sauté the aromatics before adding to soup.
• Add a Parmesan rind while cooking.
• Use a mix of beans.
• Cook slowly over low heat.
• Puree some of the beans to thicken and creamify.
• Shred smoked turkey and mix back in.
• Adjust seasonings before serving.

With smoked turkey and tender beans simmered into a rich broth, this soup is incredibly hearty and comforting. The variations are endless, so have fun experimenting with different beans, vegetables, seasonings and garnishes. Just be sure to use smoked turkey for the essential deep, savory flavor.