Holiday Market High Protein

I threw this soup together on a freezing Saturday after wandering through our local holiday market, arms full of root vegetables and a vague plan. The kitchen was cold, my hands were numb, and I wanted something that would cook itself while I thawed out. What came out of that pot became my most-requested recipe every winter since.

The first time I made this for friends, I doubled the batch on instinct and still ran out. Everyone came back for seconds, then asked if they could take some home. One friend texted me at midnight saying she'd just reheated a bowl and it was exactly what she needed after a long shift.

Ingredients

• Lean ground turkey: This keeps the soup light but protein-packed, and it browns beautifully without leaving a greasy film on top like fattier meats can.
• Cannellini beans: Creamy and mild, they blend into the broth and add body without stealing the spotlight from the other flavors.
• Chickpeas: They hold their shape through the simmer and give you something hearty to bite into, plus they soak up the seasonings like little flavor sponges.
• Onion, carrots, celery: The classic soup base that builds sweetness and depth as it softens, this trio is non-negotiable for that homey, comforting backbone.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the earthiness of the beans.
• Fresh spinach: Wilts down in seconds and sneaks in extra nutrients without changing the flavor, plus it makes the soup look vibrant and alive.
• Garlic: Just a minute in the pot releases that unmistakable fragrance that makes everyone ask whats cooking.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: The foundation of the whole soup, low-sodium gives you control over the salt and lets the other flavors shine.
• Diced tomatoes: They add acidity and a little tang that brightens the entire pot, and the juice thins the broth just enough.
• Italian herbs and smoked paprika: The herbs bring warmth and familiarity, while the paprika adds a whisper of smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret is.
• Lemon juice and parsley: Stirred in at the end, they wake everything up and make the flavors taste fresher and more intentional.

Instructions

Brown the turkey:

Cook the ground turkey over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles with your spoon until no pink remains. If you see excess fat pooling, tilt the pot and spoon it out so your soup stays clean and light.

Soften the vegetables:

Toss in the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper, stirring occasionally until they start to glisten and soften. You will hear them sizzle gently and smell the sweetness building.

Bloom the garlic:

Add the garlic and stir constantly for about a minute, just until the smell fills your kitchen. Dont let it brown or it will turn bitter.

Build the base:

Pour in the beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, and broth, then stir everything together so nothing sticks to the bottom. This is when the soup starts to look like something real.

Season generously:

Sprinkle in the Italian herbs, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir well and trust that the flavors will bloom as it simmers.

Simmer until tender:

Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat, cover it, and let it bubble gently for 20 minutes. The vegetables will soften and the broth will thicken slightly as the beans release their starch.

Wilt the spinach:

Uncover the pot, stir in the spinach, and watch it collapse into the soup within minutes. Let it simmer uncovered for another 3 to 5 minutes so the greens meld in completely.

Finish bright:

Turn off the heat, stir in the parsley and lemon juice, and taste. Adjust the salt or add more lemon if it needs a lift, this final step makes all the difference.

Save

One evening I brought a container of this to a neighbor who had just had surgery. She called me the next morning to say it was the first thing that tasted like comfort in days, and she wanted to know if I could teach her how to make it. We ended up cooking it together the following week, and now she makes it for her own family every time someone needs a little warmth.

How to Make It Your Own

If you want to go vegetarian, skip the turkey entirely and add an extra can of beans or some cubed firm tofu for protein. You can also swap the turkey for ground chicken or even lean beef if thats what you have on hand. For a creamier texture, mash half the beans with a fork before adding them, it thickens the broth naturally without any cream or flour.

Storing and Reheating

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container, and it honestly tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to marry. If you are freezing it, cool it completely first and leave a little headspace in your container since liquids expand. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much, and stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon to bring it back to life.

What to Serve Alongside

A crusty slice of whole-grain bread or a warm roll is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of broth. I have also served this with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar, or even just a handful of crackers when I want to keep things easy.

• A thick slice of sourdough toast rubbed with garlic makes it feel like a meal at a cozy bistro.
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top adds a savory finish that people love.
• Leftover soup makes an excellent lunch the next day, just reheat and pack it in a thermos.

Save

This soup has become my answer to cold nights, last-minute guests, and days when I just need something nourishing without a lot of fuss. I hope it finds a place in your kitchen the way it has in mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground turkey and increase the amount of beans or add tofu to maintain protein content.

→ What type of broth is best for this soup?

Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth works well to keep flavors balanced and healthy.

→ Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for later use.

→ What spices enhance the flavor profile?

Italian herbs, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes provide depth and warmth.

→ How do I add fresh greens without overcooking?

Stir in chopped spinach near the end and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until wilted.