Turkey and Okra Soup with Barley and Bacon

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1 pound frozen okra, thawed
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the barley, turkey, chicken broth, okra, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the turkey is cooked through.
4. Add the cooked bacon and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Sodium: 600 mg

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and comforting
• Rich and flavorful
• Perfect for a cold winter night
• Easy to make and customize
• Suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions (gluten-free, low-carb, etc.)

User Comments:

• "This soup is so delicious! It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold day."
• "I love the combination of turkey, okra, and bacon. It's such a unique and tasty soup."
• "I highly recommend this recipe. It's a great way to use up leftover turkey."
• "I made this soup with ground turkey instead of cubes, and it turned out just as well."
• "This soup is perfect for a crowd. I made a double batch to serve at a potluck and it was a hit."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To thicken the soup, cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the desired consistency is reached.
• If you don't have quick-cooking barley, you can use regular barley and cook it for about an hour, or until tender.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
• This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.