Description
A cozy and satisfying bean soup made with creamy cannellini beans, pearl couscous, and smoky turkey for a rich, comforting meal. This hearty dish comes together quickly while delivering deep, slow-cooked flavor.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
7 ounces smoked turkey bits
1 yellow onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, diced
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
3 cans (15 ounce/400 g) cannellini beans, drained and divided
5 cups chicken broth, divided
1 bay leaf
4 ounces pearl couscous
2 ounces grated Parmesan
2 tbsp chopped parsley, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, peeling and dicing the carrots, and chopping the parsley.
- In a bowl, combine 1 can of beans with 1 cup of chicken broth and blend until smooth to create a creamy base. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add smoked turkey bits and cook until lightly browned and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pot.
- Add onion, garlic, and carrots to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in black pepper, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add the remaining beans, the puréed bean mixture, and the remaining chicken broth. Stir well.
- Add the bay leaf and pearl couscous. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook for 15 minutes. If not serving immediately, cook couscous separately.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked turkey and grated Parmesan until fully incorporated.
- Finish with extra black pepper and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra vegetables, add celery, spinach, or kale.
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute cannellini beans with great northern or navy beans if desired.
Use shredded chicken for a heartier version.
Cook couscous separately if storing leftovers to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat gently with added broth or water to adjust consistency.
Freeze without couscous for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
