Description
This high-protein weight loss soup is a hearty and nutritious meal packed with lean ground turkey or chicken, a variety of fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for those looking to lose weight while maintaining muscle, this soup combines protein-rich ingredients with fiber-filled veggies in a comforting, easy-to-make dish that simmers gently on the stovetop for 1 hour, yielding 12 generous servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 4 lbs ground turkey or chicken (lean meat for high protein content)
- 16 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings
- 4 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 large lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)
Vegetables
- 4 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 2 cups green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2–3 cups zucchini, quartered (adjust based on preference)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all your ingredients and ensure you have a large soup pot and a sharp knife ready for chopping.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Pour the avocado oil into the pot and heat over medium until shimmering. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground turkey or chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to infuse the meat with rich flavor.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Add the carrots, celery, green beans, sweet potatoes, and shredded cabbage, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Chickpeas and Zucchini: Stir in the drained chickpeas and quartered zucchini. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Optional Flavor Boosts: If desired, add fresh lemon juice and turmeric at this stage for brightness and anti-inflammatory benefits. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme to add a fresh herbal note before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or even lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat tolerance.
- Using fresh herbs as garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the sweet potato pieces before adding chickpeas and zucchini.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high protein soup, weight loss soup, ground turkey soup, healthy soup recipe, low fat soup, vegetable soup with chickpeas
