Cajun Turkey Veggie Soup (Print)

Hearty Cajun turkey soup features tender poultry, colorful veggies, and warming spices for cozy family dinners.

# Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 zucchini, diced
09 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

→ Broth & Legumes

10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
11 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Spices & Herbs

12 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
18 - 1 bay leaf

→ Optional Garnish

19 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Hot sauce, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until partially softened.
02 - Add the red and green bell peppers along with the garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
03 - Incorporate the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir for 1 minute to release the flavors.
04 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, broth, bay leaf, and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add the diced zucchini and turkey breast. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Discard the bay leaf. Taste and correct seasoning. Stir in hot sauce if desired.
07 - Portion into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses leftover turkey for zero waste
  • Packed with colorful vegetables for a wholesome bite each time
  • Big Cajun flavor with just a handful of spices
  • One-pot, minimal cleanup, and ready in under an hour
  • Naturally dairy free and low fat
02 -
  • High in lean protein and dietary fiber from turkey and beans
  • Works brilliantly as a meal-prep option since it reheats and freezes well
  • Versatile for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand
03 -
  • For extra dimension, toast the Cajun seasoning dry in the pot for thirty seconds before adding any oil or vegetables
  • If you have homemade broth, use it for the richest flavor
  • Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt or spice level—ingredients can vary a lot