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Lentil Turkey Soup (Easy & Comforting Weeknight Meal)

Lentil Turkey Soup served in bowls with bread
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Lentil turkey soup is a hearty and easy one-pot meal made with pantry staples like dried lentils, canned tomatoes, ground turkey, and vegetables. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery ribs, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable or beef broth)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; use less if using Morton)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Additional broth or water as needed

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the lentils to remove any debris. Set aside.

2. Peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, chop the onion, and finely chop the garlic.

3. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.

4. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey. Cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.

5. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Stir in the cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

6. Pour in the rinsed lentils, entire can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 6 cups of broth. Stir to combine.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.

8. Simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

9. Add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick or to reach desired consistency.

10. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months—store in an airtight container with room for liquid expansion.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth or water if needed.

For a crock pot version, brown the turkey first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork, or even use leftover cooked turkey.

Additions like smoked paprika, dried thyme, or a bay leaf can enhance the flavor.

Serve with crusty bread, salad, or use as a topping for baked sweet potatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/lentil-turkey-soup/