Recipes, Seafood

Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup

 

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 lb elbow noodles
  • 1 large can (28 oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large can (46 oz) tomato juice
  • 1 large container (32 oz) beef broth (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 sweet onion, diced and browned with the meat
  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for browning the onion and meat
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil or cooking spray over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic to taste.
  3. Once the meat is browned, add the drained and rinsed petite diced tomatoes, peas, and sweet corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour in the tomato juice and beef broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. While the soup is simmering, cook the elbow noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Once the soup has simmered for an hour, add the cooked elbow noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
  9. Serve the goulash soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes:

  • Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more noodles or reduce the amount of tomato juice and beef broth.
  • This soup is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time and reheating for a quick and hearty meal.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup even more delightful:

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavor of the soup. You can add them during the cooking process or as a garnish before serving.
  2. Add Smoked Paprika: For a smoky and flavorful twist, add a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika to the soup. It adds depth of flavor and complements the turkey and vegetables nicely.
  3. Incorporate Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds richness and complexity to the soup. It enhances the savory flavors and gives the soup a delicious umami taste.
  4. Sauté Vegetables Before Adding: For extra flavor, sauté the diced onion, garlic, and any other vegetables before adding them to the soup. This helps to release their natural sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  5. Use Homemade Turkey Broth: If you have the time, consider making your own turkey broth using turkey bones, vegetables, and herbs. Homemade broth adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup that store-bought broth may lack.
  6. Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tangy sweetness to the soup and balances the flavors. Add it towards the end of cooking for a delightful flavor boost.
  7. Finish with a Dollop of Sour Cream: Before serving, add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl of soup. It adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the broth and the turkey.
  8. Experiment with Different Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in the soup. Try adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or green beans for extra color, flavor, and nutrients.
  9. Top with Crispy Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon makes a delicious garnish for the soup. Sprinkle it over the top just before serving for added texture and smoky flavor.
  10. Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying element to the meal.

By incorporating these tips, you can take your Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup to the next level and create a truly delightful dining experience for yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy!

Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Brown the Meat: When cooking the ground turkey, make sure to brown it well. This adds depth of flavor to the soup and enhances the overall richness.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Take the time to properly brown and caramelize the diced onions before adding them to the soup. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the flavor profile.
  3. Layer Flavors: Build layers of flavor by adding minced garlic and any other aromatics like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions and turkey to release their flavors before adding the liquid ingredients.
  4. Season Liberally: Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
  5. Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps develop a rich and flavorful broth while ensuring the turkey and vegetables are tender.
  6. Add Tomato Paste: For an extra boost of flavor and depth, stir in a tablespoon or two of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes. This adds richness and umami to the soup.
  7. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, including fresh herbs, vegetables, and broth. Using homemade turkey broth or high-quality store-bought broth can elevate the soup to new heights.
  8. Balance Sweetness and Acidity: Balance the sweetness of the tomatoes with a splash of acidity. You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add complexity.
  9. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill. This adds a pop of freshness and brightness to the soup.
  10. Let it Rest: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together and intensify, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dish.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup that is rich, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. Enjoy!

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup:

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey? Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this recipe. Ground beef will add a richer flavor to the soup, but ground turkey is a leaner option.
  2. How long can I store leftover soup in the refrigerator? Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to the refrigerator.
  3. Can I freeze leftover soup? Yes, you can freeze leftover soup for future meals. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Yes, feel free to add additional vegetables to the soup, such as diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or green beans. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the liquid ingredients.
  5. What can I serve with Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup? This soup pairs well with a variety of sides, including crusty bread, garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with crackers or cornbread for a heartier meal.
  6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground turkey and onions in a skillet, then transfer them to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  7. How can I make the soup spicier? If you like a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. Taste as you go and adjust the heat level according to your preference.
  8. Is this soup gluten-free? The soup is gluten-free if you use gluten-free noodles or omit the noodles altogether. Make sure to check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
  9. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth? Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of beef broth if you prefer. Chicken broth will impart a lighter flavor to the soup compared to beef broth.
  10. What herbs can I use to garnish the soup? Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill make excellent garnishes for this soup. Chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the soup just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

These are some of the most popular questions and answers related to Hearty Turkey Goulash Soup. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!