Description
This Flavorful Ground Turkey Lentil Soup is packed with protein, hearty vegetables, herbs, and a touch of pasta. A comforting, nutritious one-pot meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 3–4 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey (450 g)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g each)
- 1 cup green lentils (200 g)
- 1 parmesan rind (optional)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1.5 liters)
- 1 cup small pasta (100 g)
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan shavings for serving, optional
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
5. Mix in the chopped thyme, sage, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and tomato puree. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, green lentils, Parmesan rind (if using), and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, partially covered, for 20–30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
8. About 10–12 minutes before the lentils are fully cooked, stir in the pasta and cook until al dente.
9. Remove the Parmesan rind, if used. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and Parmesan shavings if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Use any small pasta like ditalini, elbow, or orzo.
Skip the pasta for a lower-carb version.
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg