1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing your vegetables. Dice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the zucchini into small, even pieces. Chop the spinach or kale, and set all of the vegetables aside. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker once you start.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the turkey for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the turkey cooks evenly.

3. Add the Aromatics

Once the turkey is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step builds the base flavors of your soup.

4. Add the Vegetables

Next, add the diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to soften a little and absorb the flavors from the turkey and aromatics. If you like your vegetables on the firmer side, you can reduce this cooking time.

5. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Once the vegetables are slightly softened, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. If you’re using diced tomatoes, add them to the pot at this point. Stir well to combine. Add the dried thyme, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to make your soup spicier, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder at this stage.

6. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

7. Add the Greens

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Let the greens wilt into the soup for an additional 2-3 minutes. They will add a burst of color and nutrients to the soup. If you’re adding cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta, now is the time to stir it in as well. This will make the soup even heartier and more filling.

8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more salt, pepper, or herbs, add them to your liking. If you like a bit more acidity, you can squeeze in some lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.

9. Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor, but that’s optional. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.