Cold weather is upon us in Canada, and what’s better to warm up than to get into some healthy cooking in a cozy kitchen!

 

So you’re probably wondering what a turken is.  Maybe you’ve googled it, and come up with the Transylvanian Naked Neck Chicken.  That is definitely not what I’m talking about here.  This soup also does not contain the turducken of some holiday meals (no duck here), though as a twist, it would be a great way to use your leftovers from turkey dinner.  Since we included both chicken breast and ground turkey when we created it, I dub this recipe a ‘Turken’ soup!

 

This is twist on the traditional Mexican tortilla soup – all the flavor, but we sacked the crispy deep fried tortilla chips.

 

This recipe makes a HUGE pot of about 12 servings.  #weloveleftovers!

 

Ingredients:  (note: this recipe is for use year round; if you use your Christmas dinner turkey leftovers today, substitute for the chicken breast in the ingredient list below)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 package ground turkey, extra lean
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large can (796mL/28oz) diced tomatoes, blended (use a Magic Bullet, easy peasy)
  • 2 cups corn (we have also used Costco’s mixed frozen corn/carrots/beans – thawed)
  • juice from 1 lime
  • 1 can black beans (398mL) , drained
  • 6 slices of pickled jalapeno pepper, minced (**8 makes it spicy!)
  • 3 tbsp dried cilantro (or 1/2 cup fresh, chopped)
  • chili pepper flakes to taste (start with a couple of shakes)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder

 

Directions:

  1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot.  Add onions and garlic.  Once onions have softened (about 2 mins), add the chicken and turkey, and cook the meats fully.
  2. Shred the chicken in the pot.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer about 20 minutes.

 

That’s it! Pictured here, garnished with parsley.

 

Makes 12 servings.  Per serving:

  • Calories: 200
  • fat: 6.4g
  • carbs: 16.4g
  • protein: 19.4g

 

 

PS – can be served with a dollop of low fat sour cream, or with a pinch of shredded cheese on top (not included in nutritional info above).

 

PPS – We love to include dried shitake mushrooms (cut into quarters) in this recipe, but since these are not always easy to find, I didn’t include them in the main recipe.

 

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