This Versatile Soup Has 20,000+ Reviews
This Versatile Soup Has 20,000+ Reviews is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by NYT Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $10.31 total, $2.58 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Onion (medium, diced)
- 2 piece Carrot (medium, peeled and diced)
- 2 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger Root (grated)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (regular, no added sugar)
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin (toasted)
- 0.5 lb Ground Turkey (lean, preferably 93% lean)
- 2 can Canned White Beans (15‑oz cans, drained and rinsed (cannellini, navy, or butter beans))
- 4 cup Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (can substitute turkey broth, vegetable broth, or water with extra salt)
- 2 cup Lacinato Kale (stems removed, torn into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (about the juice of one lemon, generous for brightness)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (chopped)
- to taste pinch Salt
- to taste pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep Vegetables and Herbs
Dice the onion and carrots, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, wash and tear the kale into bite‑size pieces, and chop cilantro and dill.
Time: PT15M
Sweat Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Toast Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the pot, until it deepens to a brick‑red color.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Spices
Add red pepper flakes and ground cumin, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: medium heat
Brown Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned in spots, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Incorporate Beans and Broth
Add the drained and rinsed white beans and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer Soup
Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low heat
Add Kale
Stir in the torn kale pieces and continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the kale wilts and becomes tender.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low heat
Finish with Lemon, Herbs, and Seasoning
Add the lemon juice, a pinch more salt, extra cumin and red pepper flakes if desired, and the chopped cilantro and dill. Stir and let the herbs wilt for about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and serve with crusty bread.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Ginger Root: ground ginger
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Tomato Paste: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: cayenne pepper
- Instead of Ground Cumin: coriander powder
- Instead of Ground Turkey: ground chicken, ground pork, omit for vegetarian version
- Instead of Canned White Beans: canned chickpeas, canned lentils
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water
- Instead of Lacinato Kale: curly kale, collard greens, broccoli rabe
- Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice: lime juice
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley, basil
- Instead of Fresh Dill: tarragon, chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Colander
- Citrus Juicer (optional)
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sweating the onion and carrots to build a flavor base.
- Toasting the tomato paste for depth.
- Browning the ground turkey for meatiness.
- Rinsing canned beans to remove canned flavor.
- Simmering long enough for flavors to meld and broth to reduce.
- Adding kale at the end to retain texture and color.
- Finishing with lemon juice and fresh herbs for brightness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a pinch of salt while sweating the vegetables to accelerate caramelization.
- Toast the tomato paste until it turns brick‑red for a richer, less acidic flavor.
- Add a generous amount of lemon juice at the end to ensure the soup stays bright.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered longer to reduce, or mash a few beans against the pot to release starch.
Soup is too salty.
Add a splash of water or unsalted broth and balance with extra lemon juice.
Kale remains tough.
Cover the pot and simmer an additional 2–3 minutes, or pre‑blanch the kale briefly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended; soup should be refrigerated or frozen.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup tastes even better the next day; store refrigerated and reheat gently.
- Freeze individual portions; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale in American cuisine?
While not a traditional heritage dish, this soup reflects the American tradition of comforting, one‑pot meals that combine pantry staples like canned beans with fresh seasonal greens. It embodies the modern, health‑focused cooking style popular in home kitchens across the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of white bean soup in American cuisine?
In the Northeast, white bean soups often feature ham or bacon and use navy beans. In the Southwest, they may include chili peppers and cumin. This NYT Cooking version swaps pork for turkey and adds kale for a leaner, brighter twist.
How is Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot as a main‑course soup, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple side salad. A drizzle of olive oil and a wedge of lemon are common finishing touches.
What occasions or celebrations is Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale associated with in American culture?
Because it is quick, hearty, and nutritious, the soup is popular for weeknight family meals, potlucks, and even as a comforting dish during colder months or after holiday gatherings.
How does Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale fit into the broader American soup tradition?
It aligns with the American love for soups that are both filling and adaptable—using canned beans for convenience, lean protein for nutrition, and seasonal greens for freshness, mirroring the versatility seen in classics like chicken noodle or split‑pea soup.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are canned white beans, ground turkey, kale, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Substitutes include ground chicken or pork for turkey, collard greens or broccoli rabe for kale, and vegetable broth or water with extra salt for chicken broth.
What other American dishes pair well with Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale?
Pair it with a simple mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of sourdough bread. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a light quinoa pilaf.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale?
Common errors include overcooking the garlic (it can become bitter), not rinsing the canned beans (leaving a metallic taste), and adding the kale too early, which can make it mushy. Also, under‑seasoning the broth before adding lemon can result in a flat flavor.
Why does this Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale recipe toast the tomato paste before adding liquid?
Toasting the tomato paste caramelizes its natural sugars, deepening the color to brick‑red and adding an earthy, slightly sweet undertone that balances the acidity of the lemon and the richness of the beans.
Can I make Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Kale ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup improves after a few hours in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.
What does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel NYT Cooking, produced by The New York Times, specializes in clear, journalist‑driven cooking tutorials that blend classic techniques with modern, accessible recipes for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking's approach to American comfort soups differ from other cooking channels?
NYT Cooking emphasizes ingredient transparency, seasonal flexibility, and concise, step‑by‑step narration. Their videos often include cultural context and variations, whereas many other channels focus solely on the cooking process without broader culinary insight.
Last updated: September 3, 2026






