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High Protein Leftover Turkey White Bean Soup (30 Minutes)

High Protein Leftover Turkey White Bean Soup (30 Minutes) - recipe card

This 30-minute white bean soup transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, high-protein meal. With cannellini beans, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of herbs, it’s a cozy and satisfying bowl. Each serving packs over 30 grams of protein, making it a perfect post-holiday recovery meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups shredded leftover turkey (white and/or dark meat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups baby spinach, packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
  • For serving (optional): grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not let garlic brown or it will turn bitter.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and add drained cannellini beans. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the pot, or blend a few pulses if using an immersion blender. This thickens the soup without cream.
  5. Stir in shredded turkey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until turkey is heated through and flavors combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
  7. Note: If using an oven alternative, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). After step 2, transfer the pot to the oven, covered, and bake for 15 minutes, then proceed with step 3. Ensure the pot is oven-safe.

Notes

Storage: Cool soup completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat until simmering, or in microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of broth or water if soup is too thick after reheating.

Nutrition

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