February 18, 2025 In Recipes

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Most Sundays after church I make a big pot of chicken soup to start off the week. All the chopping of celery, onions, carrots, leeks and fresh herbs is a labor of love that means a lot to my family. My oldest son Charlie will ask me to make my chicken soup for his first night home from college. Rose says my soup makes her feel cozy. There is just something about a homemade chicken soup that makes you feel loved and like everything is going to be all right. This is one of my most popular recipes in my new book SOULFULL!

 

What makes this recipe extra delicious and super nourishing is the rind of the Parmesan and the fresh herbs and spinach stirred in right before serving. In a world where hope seems in short supply, I recommend making a big pot for your family, and then finding someone who you suspect could use a little extra TLC. Make a love drop of the soup with some of my love muffins (recipe in SOULFULL!)

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Turkey Chili

Course Main Course
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 2 leeks, cleaned and diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 lb ground turkey breast
  • olive oil
  • 1 green pepper, diced, seeds and ribs removed
  • 1 orange pepper, diced, seeds and ribs removed
  • 1 yellow pepper, diced, seeds and ribs removed
  • 1 whole Sweet potato, cut in chuncks
  • 1 cup French green lentils
  • 1 14 oz Can of Beans rinsed of your choosing. I like Cannellini.
  • 2 cans Whole San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2 boxes Chicken or Vegetable stock
  • 3 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Brown sugar, more if too acidic
  • 1 cup Italian parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup basil, roughly chopped
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1-2 avocado sliced
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar shedded
  • 1 cup Sour cream or greek yogurt
  • 1 lime, squeezed
  • 2 cups brown rice, prepared

Instructions

  1. Generously coat the bottom of your soup pot with olive oil. Saute onion, celery, leeks, and carrots with all spices, salt and pepper for 3-5 minutes, or until softened.

  2. Add ground turkey breast. One turkey is cooked through, pour in cans of tomatoes (including liquid), chicken stock, and tomato paste into pot. Add peppers, sweet potato, lentils, and beans.

  3. Allow to simmer for at least thirty minutes, and longer for more flavor.

  4. I usually cut up the tomatoes in the pot, and by taste, add more spices. Add sugar to reduce acidity.

  5. Add cilantro, parsley, basil, spinach and juice from one lime and turn off the heat.

  6. In a separate pot, prepare 2 cups of brown rice and place at the bottom of each bowl, and then ladle in soup. Garnish with avocado, cheddar cheese, chips, corn bread and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

Bread and Honey's Blessing of the Week

May our lives reflect the Truth:

Hope is real

Healing is possible

Life is a privilege

We exist for a purpose

Grace is available

Love prevails

God has us.

Amen.

weekly_tip_for_souljoy

With apron tied on, and wooden spoon in hand, enjoy Lovely Day by Bill Withers. 

2 Comments

  • Diane Tucker

    February 24, 2025 at 8:41 am

    Especially in the winter, we make a pot of chicken vegetable soup using a Costco roasted chicken, and whatever veggies are in the fridge. It’s always a healthy and healing way to start the week! Love your recipe!
    hugs,

  • Carolyn Thomas

    February 26, 2025 at 11:19 am

    This recipe is soooooo good!!!