Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up under a blanket with something warm and comforting. That’s where this Turkey Lentil Soup comes in! This isn’t your average, bland soup; it’s packed with flavor, thanks to smoky turkey (hello, Thanksgiving leftovers!), hearty lentils, and a medley of veggies simmered to perfection. I think of it as the sophisticated cousin of Chicken Noodle Soup – all the comfort, but with a bit more *oomph*. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to transform leftover turkey into something truly special, you absolutely HAVE to try this soup. My family begs for it every year after Thanksgiving, and honestly, I often make a turkey just so I can make this soup. It’s THAT good.
What is turkey lentil soup?
Simply put, Turkey Lentil Soup is a hearty and delicious soup featuring cooked turkey, lentils, vegetables, and broth. Think of it as a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something incredibly satisfying. The lentils add a wonderful earthy flavor and a creamy texture, while the turkey provides a smoky richness. It’s essentially a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for those days when you want something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this soup is that it’s also incredibly adaptable – you can easily adjust the vegetables and spices to your liking. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! I always add a touch of smoked paprika, it just elevates the whole thing.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why I adore this Turkey Lentil Soup recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the smoky turkey, earthy lentils, and savory vegetables is just divine. It’s a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. And it’s so simple to make! Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip up a batch of this soup in under an hour. It’s a lifesaver! Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and they’re super affordable. Using leftover turkey also helps to reduce food waste and saves you money. What I love most about this soup, though, is its versatility. You can serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even pack it for a comforting workday meal. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping – it tastes even better the next day! I sometimes even add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a little extra brightness. Honestly, it makes all the difference. If you are anything like me who loves easy soup recipes this recipe is for you. It reminds me of my favorite Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe, but with a totally different spin.
How do you make turkey lentil soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Turkey Lentil Soup is easier than you might think! Basically, you’ll sauté some veggies, add your lentils, turkey, and broth, and then let it simmer until everything is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. The best part? You can easily customize it to your liking. I sometimes add a handful of spinach towards the end for extra greens, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity. It’s a forgiving recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment! The key is to let it simmer long enough to allow the flavors to develop – that’s where the magic happens. It’s a great method I use with all my soup recipes.
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
* 8 cups chicken or turkey broth (I prefer homemade, but store-bought works too!)
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
For the Turkey & Finish:
* 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftovers are perfect!)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (trust me on this one!)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How do I learn step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This is where the flavor foundation starts, so don’t rush this step! If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a bay leaf at this stage for extra depth.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Spices
Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. I always lower the heat slightly at this point to prevent that from happening.
Step 3: Incorporate the Lentils & Broth
Stir in the rinsed lentils, chicken or turkey broth, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. I always skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the simmering process – it helps to keep the broth clear.
Step 4: Add Turkey & Season
Stir in the cooked turkey and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is a crucial step – don’t skip it! The smoked paprika adds such a unique depth of flavor that you won’t want to miss.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! I sometimes add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of cream for extra richness. And don’t forget a side of Crusty Bread for dipping!
What should I serve it with?
What is a good turkey lentil soup recipe? What are I love serving it with a simple side salad for an easy meal. What are some good ways to soak up that flavorful bread? If you’re feeling fancy, you can serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or panini for an extra special occasion.
For Lunch:What is a simple green salad dressing with olive oil? The acidity of dressing will balance the richness of the soup.
For Dinner: Crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. A grilled cheese sandwich or panini for a heartier meal.
For a Crowd: A cheese and cracker platter. It provides a nice contrast to the warm soup.
Growing up my mom would always serve this soup with her amazing homemade biscuits. I still do it to this day.
How do I make turkey lentil soup?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Turkey Lentil Soup to the next level. What are some tips for perfecting this recipe?
Lentil Choice: Use brown or green lentils for the best texture. Red lentils tend to get mushy, so I avoid them in this recipe.
Broth Matters: Use high-quality chicken or turkey broth for the most flavorful soup. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought works too.
Smoked paprika is the key.Why don’t you add smoked paprika to your soup?
What is the importance of sautéing Take your time sautéing the vegetables – it’s the foundation of the flavor.
Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Season Generously:Add salt and pepper to taste.
Leftover Love:What is a good way to use up leftover turkey?
I learned the hard way that sometimes my lentil soups can be bland. Now, I always make sure to taste the soup throughout the cooking process and add salt and pepper as needed. This simple step can make a huge difference in the final flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
What is Turkey Lentil Soup? How do you store and reheat food?
Room Temperature: RoomDon’t leave soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating.
How do I useFor longer storage, freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Is it safe to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating?
Reheating methods: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up a bit.
Quality Indicators: Properly stored, the soup should maintain its flavor and texture. If it develops an off odor or flavor, discard it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my all-time favorite Turkey Lentil Soup recipe! I truly believe this soup is a must-try, especially if you’re looking for a delicious and comforting way to use up leftover turkey. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and protein into your diet. If you love this soup, you might also enjoy my Chicken Tortilla Soup or my Creamy Tomato Soup. They’re all family favorites! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!
Turkey Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup green lentils rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups diced tomatoes canned
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper fresh ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground turkey, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender.
