Hearty Smoked Turkey and Bean Medley
Warm and nourishing, this Hearty Smoked Turkey and Bean Medley is the perfect way to utilize leftover smoked turkey from your holiday feast. Bursting with protein-rich beans, tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that will warm your home and delight your family and friends. Perfect for freezing, this soup makes for an excellent make-ahead meal, ready to be enjoyed at any time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked turkey
2-3 cups (shredded)
15 bean mix (dried beans)
1 lb (soaked and drained)
canola oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onions
2 small (diced)
carrots
3 large (diced)
celery
3 stalks (diced)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (canned)
dried rosemary
2 tablespoons (crushed)
dried sage
2 teaspoons (dried)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (spice)
cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
chicken broth
2 quarts (liquid)
Instructions
1
Beginning the day before, place the dried beans in a large pot and cover them with 2 quarts of water. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften. After soaking, drain the water and set the beans aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant.
3
In the final 2 minutes of sautéing, mix in the minced garlic, crushed rosemary, dried sage, bay leaves, chili powder, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine and heat through.
4
In your CrockPot, layer the ingredients: start with the drained beans at the bottom, followed by the shredded smoked turkey, then the sautéed vegetable mixture, and finally pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is submerged.
5
Set your CrockPot to cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Stir occasionally if possible, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Smoked Turkey and Bean Medley?
It is a warm and nourishing soup that utilizes leftover smoked turkey, protein-rich beans, and tender vegetables cooked slowly to meld flavors together.
How should I prepare the dried beans for this recipe?
Place the dried beans in a large pot with 2 quarts of water and soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours before draining.
What type of turkey is used in this soup?
This recipe calls for 2-3 cups of shredded smoked turkey, which is perfect for using up holiday leftovers.
How long do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery in canola oil for 5-10 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
When should I add the garlic and herbs?
Add the minced garlic, rosemary, sage, bay leaves, chili powder, and black pepper during the final 2 minutes of sautéing the vegetables.
How do I layer the ingredients in the CrockPot?
Start with drained beans at the bottom, then add shredded turkey, followed by the sautéed vegetables, and finally pour in the chicken broth.
What is the recommended cooking time in a slow cooker?
Set your CrockPot to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Can I freeze this smoked turkey and bean soup?
Yes, this soup is excellent for freezing, making it a great option for a make-ahead meal.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a 1-pound bag of 15-bean mix, which provides a variety of textures and protein.
Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before slow cooking?
Sautéing the vegetables helps to release their natural sugars and aromatic flavors, creating a deeper taste in the finished soup.
What liquid is used as the base for the medley?
The soup uses 2 quarts of chicken broth to ensure all ingredients are submerged and well-cooked.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes dried rosemary, dried sage, bay leaves, chili powder, and cracked black pepper.
Can I substitute canola oil?
Yes, you can use other high-heat cooking oils or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables if you prefer.
How should I shred the smoked turkey?
You can shred the smoked turkey by hand or using two forks to create bite-sized pieces for the soup.
Do I need to add salt to the soup?
The recipe suggests adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 cloves of minced garlic for optimal flavor.
What should I do with the bay leaves before serving?
While not explicitly mentioned, it is common practice to remove the whole bay leaves before serving the soup.
What is the purpose of the 15-bean mix?
The 15-bean mix adds nutritional variety, protein, and different textures to the soup.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh rosemary and sage, but you may need to increase the quantities as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What size vegetable dice is recommended?
Dicing the onions, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces ensures they cook evenly.
Is this recipe considered eco-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as eco-friendly because it focuses on utilizing leftovers and dried bulk ingredients like beans.
Can I cook this soup on high heat in the CrockPot?
While low heat for 6-8 hours is recommended for flavor, you could likely cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add more chicken broth or a bit of water to reach your desired soup consistency.
Are the canned tomatoes drained or undrained?
The recipe lists a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes; usually, these are added with their juice for extra flavor.
What makes this soup a good comfort food?
The combination of smoked meat, hearty beans, and slow-cooked aromatics creates a rich, warming meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely, as it can be made in large batches and stores or freezes very well for future meals.
How do I ensure the beans are soft?
Soaking them for the full 8 hours and ensuring they cook for the full duration on low heat will result in tender beans.
Can I add other vegetables to the medley?
Yes, you can easily customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
What flavor does the chili powder add?
The chili powder provides a subtle depth and warmth to the soup without making it overly spicy.
Why is the rosemary crushed?
Crushing dried rosemary helps release its oils and fragrance more effectively during the cooking process.