Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe

As I stirred the pot, the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen, reminding me of cozy autumn days. The combination of tender lentils, shredded turkey, and vibrant greens created a hearty soup that not only warmed my body but also my soul, especially with that final zing of lemon juice.

I love making satisfying meals, and my Turkey Lentil Soup is a nourishing favorite. The essence of thyme and parsley seasons this one-pot wonder, which combines the depth and richness of a favorite simmered soup with the healthful heartiness of a blended casserole.

This seamless soup takes less than an hour to make and, like all good soups, gets even better after a day in the fridge.

Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Olive oil: Healthy fat that enhances flavor and aids nutrient absorption.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; rich in antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts immune systems; provides a fragrant, savory aroma.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene and fiber; adds a subtle sweetness.
• Lentils: Great source of plant-based protein and fiber; aids digestion.
• Turkey: Lean protein source; rich in vitamins B6 and B12.
• Spinach: Nutrient-dense leafy green; provides iron and calcium.

Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 8 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves or kale
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe

1. In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, diced, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until transparent.

2. In the pot, combine the minced garlic, the sliced carrots, and the sliced celery; add them to the pot. Cook them for another 5 minutes, while stirring, and allow the vegetables to soften just a bit more.

3. Mix in the cooked turkey, either shredded or diced, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat it through.

4. Combine the turkey, vegetables, and rinsed lentils in the pot.

5. Add the chicken or turkey stock. Pour in the chicken or turkey stock and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. After it reaches a boil, lower the temperature and let the soup simmer. Put a lid on the pot and let the soup cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

7. Incorporate the dried thyme and dried parsley. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

8. Add the fresh spinach leaves or kale to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, just until the greens have shrunk down and are quite a bit smaller than when you first added them.

9. Discard the bay leaf by removing it from the pot.

10. Right before serving, add the lemon juice and stir it into the soup. You want to incorporate the lemon juice so that it flavors the soup but isn’t easily detectable as a separate ingredient. Serve this soup hot.

Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot with lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat?Indeed, if you prefer, you can use chicken instead of turkey.
• How do I store leftover soup?Store soup that you have left over in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be good for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this soup?Certainly! This soup is perfect for freezing. Allow it to cool fully before moving it to containers that are safe for the freezer.
• What type of lentils should I use?Lentils, green or brown, work best because they hold up well during cooking.
• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?Certainly! Mix all elements together, and this will serve as your slow cooker guide. Pay special attention to the last part; it’s very important. You will want to add the spinach and lemon juice during the final 30 minutes. Mixing all the ingredients together in the slow cooker prior to adding these two last ingredients will not only serve as a cooking guide for you but also assist in the path towards your ultimate destination: enjoying a delicious, healthy, slow-cooked meal.
• Is it necessary to rinse the lentils?Certainly, rinsing assists in eliminating any remnants and enhancing the consistency.

Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in place of olive oil.
2 shallots instead of 1 onion
2 tsp. garlic powder instead of 2 cloves garlic
Parsnips are my favorite vegetable because they possess a rich, nutty flavor that becomes even sweeter when cooked. It is for this reason that I am always looking for new ways to showcase parsnips. Indeed, parsnip puree may well become part of my standard repertoire. For the next few recipes, use parsnip puree in place of carrot puree. So here it goes: 2 parsnips instead of 2 carrots.
2 cups chopped chard leaves instead of 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Pro Tips

1. Flavor Base Enhancement: For a richer base, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and before adding the garlic and other vegetables. This can add depth to the soup’s flavor.