How to Make the Perfect Ground Turkey Lentil Soup
Mediterranean · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
This thick and nourishing soup pairs lean ground turkey with protein-rich red lentils and warming spices for a deeply satisfying meal. It is an excellent source of both complete and plant-based protein delivering over 36 grams per bowl.
Why this recipe works
This Ground Turkey Lentil Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1.5 cups dry red lentils rinsed
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
In a large pot over medium-high heat cook the ground turkey for 7 to 8 minutes breaking it into small pieces and stirring frequently until fully browned.
Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer with Lentils
Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed red lentils. Bring the soup to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until the lentils are completely soft.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick add a splash of water or broth then ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- red lentils → green or brown lentils which hold their shape better but require 10 extra minutes of cooking
- chicken broth → vegetable broth for a fully compatible base if you prefer a milder flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the lentils before adding them to the soup which can introduce debris and make the broth cloudy
- Cooking on too high heat after adding lentils which causes the bottom of the pot to scorch and ruins the flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 36g protein, 40g carbs, 10g fat, 12g fiber.
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