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Bowl of Turnip Green Soup with Fresh Herbs

Turnip Green Soup

Emma
Discover a delicious and healthy Turnip Green Soup recipe that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a comforting, vegan meal
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Southern, American
Servings 4 people
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • Turnip Greens fresh or frozen – The star of the soup! Turnip greens have a mild, peppery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory broth. You can easily find them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
  • Potatoes – A starchy vegetable that helps to thicken the soup and adds creaminess without any dairy. Russet potatoes work best here but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
  • Carrots – These add a touch of sweetness to balance the earthiness of the turnip greens and potatoes bringing a lovely color to the dish.
  • Onion – Adds depth and aromatic sweetness. You’ll sauté the onions first to release all that savory goodness.
  • Garlic – A key ingredient that infuses the soup with a rich warm flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth – The base for your soup providing a rich, savory foundation. Choose a low-sodium broth for better control over the salt level.
  • Olive Oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic to build the flavor base. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil goes a long way.

Seasonings and Extras:

  • Salt and Pepper – These basic seasonings are essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the soup.
  • Herbs – Fresh thyme rosemary, or even a bay leaf will add some lovely herbal notes to the soup. You can use dried herbs if fresh is not available.
  • Lemon Juice – A touch of acidity that brightens up the soup and enhances all the flavors.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – If you like a bit of heat add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a gentle kick.
  • Nutritional Yeast – For a vegan-friendly "cheese-like" flavor that adds depth and umami.
  • Coconut Milk – To add extra creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor if you prefer a more indulgent version of this soup.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté the Base

  • Start by heating up your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and golden. The smell of caramelizing onions will get your taste buds excited! Next, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This will form the flavorful foundation of your soup.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

  • Once the onions and garlic are aromatic, it’s time to add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir them around for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The potatoes will give the soup its creamy texture, while the carrots add just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

  • Now, it’s time for the vegetable broth to join the party. Pour it into the pot, along with your turnip greens. If you’re using fresh turnip greens, you’ll need to chop them into bite-sized pieces. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the greens have softened.

Step 4: Season to Taste

  • Once your soup is simmering away, it’s time to add flavor! Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you like a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 5: Final Touches

  • For a touch of brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the soup just before serving. This will elevate the flavor and give the soup a fresh finish. You can also stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast if you want that cheesy, umami flavor to round it out. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a splash of coconut milk will make the soup creamy and rich.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

  • If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a rustic feel. The choice is yours!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! This Turnip Green Soup is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a warm loaf of bread for extra comfort.

Notes

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Keyword Turnip Green Soup, Healthy Soup, Vegan Soup, Comfort Food