The Joys of Thanksgiving: Food and Family
Thanksgiving in America brings two things I cherish: the delicious food and the company of loved ones sharing that food. Recently, I craved those comforting flavors but didn’t want to tackle a full multicourse meal. Inspired by the essence of Thanksgiving, I created a soup recipe that captures the essence of the season with sage-scented turkey, sweet squash, stewed vegetables, and buttery stuffing.
A Nostalgic Flavor Connection
The aromas and textures of traditional Thanksgiving dishes linger in my memory. The moment I see a golden leaf with crimson edges fall at my feet, my mind instantly flashes back to last year’s Thanksgiving table. This year, that moment occurred during the second week of September, prompting me to develop a soup that embodies the spirit of the harvest holiday.
Family Traditions in Tucson
Last year, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my family in Tucson, surrounded by roasted squash, stewed leafy greens, golden turkey, creamy potatoes, and a mountain of herb-flecked stuffing. This fond memory inspired my soup, which begins with a classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery. I then add sprigs of herbs and extra-lean ground turkey, ensuring the soup remains light and flavorful.
Cooking the Turkey
After breaking up the turkey and cooking it through, I add an optional splash of wine, diced butternut squash, and plenty of broth. I stir in chopped kale towards the end, allowing it to melt into the bubbling mixture, enhancing the flavor.
Simplifying with Frozen Ingredients
I chose frozen diced butternut squash for convenience, though you can easily substitute fresh if you prefer. The ground turkey quickly absorbs the surrounding flavors, releasing them into the broth as it simmers. This quick cooking time makes the soup a perfect option for a busy weeknight.
The Finishing Touch
One of my proudest ideas involves adding a handful of stuffing croutons to each bowl just before serving. These dried, seasoned bread cubes gradually soften in the hot soup, transforming into stuffing, while the ones on top remain crunchy. Although you can make your own seasoned croutons, I found that using store-bought mixes was both faster and more effective.
Crafting Your Own Thanksgiving Soup
This soup captures my ideal Thanksgiving meal, but I encourage you to customize it to create your own version of Thanksgiving-in-a-bowl. For example, you could replace the squash with diced sweet potatoes or let halved baby potatoes simmer until they become creamy lumps. If kale isn’t your favorite, consider using chopped collards or green beans instead.
Going Meatless
If sides are your main focus during Thanksgiving, you can skip the ground turkey altogether. Instead, add browned, sliced mushrooms or use a rich mushroom-heavy broth for a delightful “sidesgiving” experience in a bowl.
The Missing Ingredient: Camaraderie
While the warm feeling of camaraderie may be absent in the soup, we will have plenty of opportunities to share that joy in just a few weeks. Keep this recipe handy, as I’ve included instructions for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey and more.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
This Thanksgiving soup offers a taste of the holiday’s best flavors, making it a perfect dish for any gathering. As we prepare to celebrate, let’s savor both the food and the cherished moments spent with family and friends.
