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Smoky Turkey Neck Tortilla Soup

  • Prep Time

    15

  • Cooking Time

    2

  • Serves

    8

  • 1.5 - 2 lbs Smoked turkey necks
  • 1 Large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 Bell pepper (red or poblano), diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups Water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 Corn tortillas, roughly torn into small pieces (this is your thickener)
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Frozen or fresh corn
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 1 cup Crispy tortilla strips
  • 1 Avocado diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro chopped
  • 5-6 Radishes thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Shredded cheese

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, the water/broth, torn corn tortillas and smoked turkey necks.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. You want the turkey neck meat to be literally falling away from the bone.
  5. Use tongs to remove the turkey neck segments and place them on a plate. Let them cool for a few minutes. Use your fingers to pick the tender nuggets of meat off the bones. (make sure to discard tendons and cartilage). Return the clean, shredded meat back to the pot.
  6. Stir in the black beans and corn. Heat for 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the lime juice and add salt if needed prior to serving.
  8. Ladle into bowls and add toppings.