Description
Savory “Turkey Lentil Soup” brings warmth from Mediterranean kitchens, blending hearty legumes with tender turkey. Comfort simmers in each spoonful, inviting you to savor rich, nutritious flavors that nourish both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey (or shredded cooked turkey)
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional, for extra greens)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (if not dairy-free)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, creating a smooth, shimmering surface.
- Introduce ground turkey into the pot, methodically fragmenting the meat with a utensil while ensuring an even, rich golden-brown coloration develops throughout.
- Incorporate finely diced onions, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and promote caramelization of the aromatic vegetables.
- Sprinkle minced garlic into the mixture, allowing its pungent essence to release and permeate the developing flavor profile.
- Carefully pour chicken broth into the pot, creating a liquid foundation for the soup’s robust character.
- Gently add sorted and rinsed lentils, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid base.
- Introduce diced carrots and celery, contributing additional texture and nutritional depth to the simmering concoction.
- Season with dried thyme, ground cumin, and a subtle hint of salt and pepper, blending the spices thoroughly.
- Allow the soup to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to a low simmer, covering the pot to develop intense flavors.
- Maintain a soft, consistent simmer for approximately 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent ingredient settlement.
- Verify lentil tenderness by sampling a few; they should be soft yet retain a slight resistance when bitten.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Ladle into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
- Add extra vegetables like chopped carrots or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake and allow home cooks to season incrementally for personalized taste preferences.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten the soup’s overall flavor and add a fresh visual element.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg