turkey stew with olive pesto
Winter Solstice is almost here in the North Country.
We are warming our bones by the fire, soaking in hot baths, drinking more tea than you can imagine, and taking in the beauty of the woods and mountains covered in fresh snow.
It’s a wonderful time to make soup. This recipe is high in protein and high in fiber as well. It has natural saltiness, which our kidneys need right now. It is high in beta-carotene to promote immunity and is made with simple chicken broth, which contains the collagen we need for a healthy gut, strong nails and supple skin.
I make the pesto with flaxseed meal because of its high fiber, high omega-3 fatty acid content.
Try it and let me know what you think!
TURKEY SOUP WITH OLIVE pESTO
For the soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground turkey
4 large carrots
3 stalks celery
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon each: sea salt and black pepper
1/4 teaspoon each: allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg
1 cup Greek yogurt (plant-based)
For the pesto:
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
2 packed cups spinach
3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chop carrots into rounds, slice celery into half moons, and mince garlic.
In a soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté briefly. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring continuously, until cooked through – about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Add chopped carrots and celery and sauté 5 minutes.
Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook for 25 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
As the soup is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse until pesto reaches desired consistency.
Turn off the soup and add yogurt. Blend well with a hand blender or in a blender. Add cooked turkey and garlic and mix to incorporate.
Serve a bowl of soup with a garnish of pesto.
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
