Description
This comforting One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with protein-rich ground turkey, fiber-filled lentils, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in flavorful broth and spices, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal wholesome dish to warm you up and keep you energized.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & 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
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices & Seasonings
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey. Add the ground turkey into the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, roughly 6-8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables. Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some crunch.
- Add Lentils and Liquids. Pour in the lentils, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper according to your preference. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve. Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian variation but omit ground turkey in that case.
- Rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
- This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh flavor contrast.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
