Description
This hearty One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup combines lean ground turkey, nutritious lentils, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered together in a flavorful broth enriched with herbs and spices. Perfect as a comforting, wholesome meal for chilly days, it requires minimal cleanup while delivering robust taste and satisfying protein and fiber content.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Legumes
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot with the aromatics. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink throughout, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in the lentils, diced tomatoes including their juices, and broth. Add dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and color.
Notes
- To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth. Add extra lentils or beans for protein.
- Green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape during cooking.
- You can prepare this soup in advance and refrigerate or freeze for convenient meals later.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a tangier or spicier flavor.
- For thicker soup, reduce the broth amount or mash some lentils before serving.
