Hearty Turkey Lentil Soup for Cozy Winter Days

Turkey Lentil Soup brings together the heartiness of turkey and the nutritious charm of lentils, creating a comforting bowl that warms both body and soul. Imagine curling up with a steaming bowl, where each spoonful reveals tender chunks of turkey mingling with earthy lentils, all enveloped in a fragrant broth that dances between savory and slightly spiced. comforting chicken soup.

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One whiff of this Turkey Lentil Soup, and you’ll be transported to cozy family dinners or wintery afternoons spent by the fireplace. The tantalizing aroma fills your kitchen, teasing the senses and promising an incredible flavor experience. perfect holiday side dish It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from the inside out—perfect for those chilly nights when all you want is comfort food. cozy dinner rolls. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.

I remember the first time I made Turkey Lentil Soup; my kids practically fought over who would get to have seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Sausage and Vegetable Soup recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey offers a lighter protein option without sacrificing flavor—you can also use leftover turkey if you have it.
• Lentils: Use brown or green lentils; they hold their shape well during cooking and add a nice texture.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots provide sweetness and color—opt for vibrant orange ones for best flavor.
• Celery: Crisp celery adds crunch and depth; choose firm stalks for maximum freshness.
• Onion: A yellow onion is perfect here; it caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic richness; don’t skimp on this flavorful ingredient!
• Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still delivering excellent taste.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness—a must-have spice for this recipe!
• Bay Leaf: One bay leaf infuses subtle flavor—remember to remove it before serving!
• Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients—feel free to toss it in at the end.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing the Vegetables: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic and cook until golden brown.

Browning the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally—this step builds fantastic flavors.

Add in Lentils and Spices: Stir in rinsed lentils along with diced carrots and celery. Sprinkle cumin and season with salt and pepper; let everything mingle for about two minutes to intensify those flavors.

Add Broth and Simmer Away!: Pour in vegetable broth along with bay leaf. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover simmering for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.

Add Greens (if desired): In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach until wilted—this adds beautiful color as well as nutrients.

Serve It Up!: Remove from heat; discard bay leaf before ladling soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon juice if desired—a bright touch enhances all those lovely flavors!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Turkey Lentil Soup! It’s sure to become a go-to recipe that warms hearts as much as bellies! using ground turkey creatively.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for a fragrant base. Then add your turkey before introducing lentils and broth to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in any leftover veggies or spices you have on hand. Try adding spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color; this soup loves company!

Storing & Reheating

Store Turkey Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

The first time I made this soup, my friends devoured it faster than I could serve! They claimed it was like a warm hug in a bowl—needless to say, I’ve been making it ever since.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of diced turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey cooks quickly and adds a nice texture to the soup.

How long can I freeze Turkey Lentil Soup?

You can freeze this soup for up to three months without losing flavor or quality.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, Turkey Lentil Soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most diets.

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Turkey Lentil Soup

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Turkey Lentil Soup is a cozy, nutrient-packed dish that combines lean ground turkey and tender lentils in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this hearty soup offers a delightful blend of flavors that warms both body and soul. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners. Each bowl promises comforting satisfaction that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook until golden.
2. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (5–7 minutes).
3. Stir in lentils, carrots, celery, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaf; bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Optional: Stir in spinach during the last few minutes until wilted.
6. Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap vegetables or add kale for extra nutrients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat on the stovetop.