Healthy Living

Tuscan Smoked Turkey and Bean Soup

Makes: 6 Servings

Total Cost: 

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

This hearty soup will surely tantalize taste buds with tender smoked turkey chunks, Navy beans, and a colorful array of veggies, all simmered in a deliciously seasoned broth.

Ingredients

1/3 cup Fresh onions, peeled, diced 1/2"

1/3 cup Fresh celery, diced

1/3 cup Fresh carrots, peeled, diced

1 1/2 cups Fresh kale, no stems, chopped

2 1/4 teaspoons Canned low-sodium tomato paste

1 tablespoon Fresh garlic, minced

4 1/4 cups Low-sodium chicken stock

1 3/4 cups Canned low-sodium Navy beans, drained, rinsed

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 dashes ground black pepper

5 ounces Smoked turkey breast, 1/4" pieces (5 oz)

2 teaspoons Fresh thyme, chopped

2/3 tablespoon Fresh basil, chopped

2/3 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Place onions, celery, carrots, kale, tomato paste, and garlic in a large pot coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cook over medium-high heat. Stir frequently. Cook until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent. 

2. Add chicken stock, beans, salt, and pepper. 

3. Reduce temperature to low heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. 

4. Add turkey, thyme, basil, and parsley. Stir well. Simmer a minimum of 10 minutes.

Serve hot.

Our Story 

Asheville, North Carolina is known for its heritage, arts, and fine dining. Ira B. Jones Elementary School in Asheville shares a taste of another well-known region of fine dining “Tuscany" as its recipe team prepared Tuscan Smoked Turkey and Bean Soup. The team worked together to develop the recipe, and a number of students tasted and evaluated the recipe before it was submitted. 

The team's hard work paid off! The recipe features Navy beans, which are actually white in color, but got their popular name because they were a staple food of the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. Tuscan Smoked Turkey and Bean Soup is sure to tease and please the senses and warm the toes! Delizioso!!

School Team Members

School Nutrition Professional: Susan Bowers 

Chef: Denny Trantham (Executive Chef, The Grove Park Inn, Resort and Spa) 

Community Members: Tara Jardine (Volunteer Coordinator and Representative, AmeriCorps) and Sarah Cain (Principal) 

Student: Nichelle B.
 

1 cup provides:

Legume as Meat Alternate: 1 1/2 oz equivalent meat/meat alternate and 1/4 cup vegetable.

OR

Legume as Vegetable: 1/2 oz equivalent meat, 1/2 cup vegetable. 

Legume vegetable can be counted as either a meat alternate or as a legume vegetable but not as both simultaneously.

Source: Recipes for Healthy Kids Cookbook for Homes Version:1.0 

Make healthy eating and physical activity a priority in the new year. 

 •  Keeping Active During the Winter

Although it may be cold outside, it's still important to stay active. Here are some tips for keeping active throughout the winter. 

• Dancing is a fun way to stay active! Turn on your favorite music and dance. 

• Exercise to a workout video. There are a variety of different options and many are available online at no cost. 

• Do strength exercises at home. You can use items such as canned food or water bottles as dumbbells. For instructions on strength exercises you can do at home, click here. 

• Go for a walk outside. If you exercise outdoors, dress in layers; wear a hat and mittens or gloves; and drink plenty of water.