Hearty Turkey Soup

ingredients

• 1 meaty turkey frame
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Chopped cooked turkey
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips
• 1-1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 3 cups sliced or cubed vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or turnips
• 1-1/2 cups high-fiber or whole wheat pasta, such as rotini or penne
• 1 15-oz. can Great Northern beans or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

1. Break turkey frame or cut in half with kitchen shears. Place in large pot. Add water, broth, onion, garlic, and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.
2. Remove turkey frame. Cool; cut meat off bones; coarsely chop meat. Add enough turkey to equal 2 cups. Set aside. Discard bones. Strain broth; skim off fat.
3. Return broth to pot. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Stir in vegetables. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 5 minutes. Add pasta. Simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until pasta is tender and still firm and vegetables are tender. Stir in turkey and beans; heat through. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.