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Turkey Lentil Soup

Comforting Turkey Lentil Soup for Cozy Nights In

This Turkey Lentil Soup is a comforting dish made with leftover turkey that's perfect for cozy nights and minimizes food waste.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to use any neutral cooking oil.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped; for milder taste, consider substituting with shallots.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; using fresh garlic will yield the best results.
  • 1 10-ounce can Fire-roasted Rotel Tomatoes Can swap with regular diced tomatoes and incorporate chili powder for a kick.
  • 1 cup Green Lentils Offers protein and texture; substitute with brown lentils, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • 2 cups Shredded Leftover Turkey Ground turkey can also be used as an alternative.
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth Opt for homemade or low-sodium broth for a lighter dish.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Infuses aromatic depth; remove before serving!
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes Diced; adds comforting creaminess.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Once hot, add 1 chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Now, pour in one 10-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes along with 1 cup of rinsed green lentils, 2 cups of shredded leftover turkey, and 6 cups of chicken broth. Toss in 1 bay leaf and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, which should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the Dutch oven with the lid, and let the Turkey Lentil Soup simmer for approximately 50 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. After simmering, stir in 2 diced Yukon Gold potatoes, ensuring they're evenly distributed. Cover and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Once the potatoes are cooked, discard the bay leaf. Taste and season your Turkey Lentil Soup with salt and black pepper to your preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 15gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For a creamier soup, mash some of the Yukon Gold potatoes before serving or blend a portion of the soup for a smooth consistency.

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