Skinny Turkey-Vegetable Soup Recipe

By gpawilson

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 teaspoons sodium-free chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional
• 1/2 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
• 2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan, saute the onions, carrots, celery and red pepper in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in the water, tomatoes, peas, bay leaf, bouillon, basil, thyme, cumin, pepper and, if desired, pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Stir orzo and turkey into soup; heat through. Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle with cilantro.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth, water or milk if necessary.
Yield: 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts).