Description
This hearty and healthy One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup combines ground turkey, lentils, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth seasoned with thyme and cumin. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this soup is nutritious, comforting, and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Pantry
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes; then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey to the pot and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery; cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Add lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey sausage for ground turkey if preferred.
- Red lentils can be used but may cook faster and become mushy.
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and use vegetable broth only.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
