Description
This hearty Turkey Lentil Soup is a flavorful and nutritious meal combining ground turkey, lentils, and fresh vegetables with warm spices like cumin and curry powder. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups broth (turkey or chicken broth)
- 1 cup uncooked lentils, rinsed (red, brown, or green)
- 1 cup finely chopped kale (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the turkey and aromatics: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Once warm, add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned but not fully done. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until onions soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables and spices: Add chopped carrots, diced celery, ground cumin, curry powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine liquids and lentils: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, broth, and rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the carrots are cooked through. Stir every 5-10 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Finish and serve: Add the finely chopped kale and stir until it wilts. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use red, brown, or green lentils depending on your preference; cooking times may vary slightly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Optional kale adds a nutritious boost, but you can omit it for a simpler soup.
- This soup stores well and tastes great the next day after the flavors meld.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the other spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
