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Turkey Lentil Soup

Cozy Turkey Lentil Soup that Warms Your Soul

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This Turkey Lentil Soup is a hearty, nourishing dish perfect for using up leftover turkey and warming your soul.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Provides richness and helps sauté onions
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Adds sweetness; can replace with shallots or leeks
  • 3 cloves Garlic Brings aromatic flavor; substitute with garlic powder if needed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Fire-Roasted Rotel Tomatoes Adds acidity; use regular tomatoes and hot sauce if needed
  • 1 cup Green Lentils Provides fiber and protein; alternatives include brown or black lentils
  • 2 cups Shredded Leftover Turkey The main protein source; consider ground turkey or rotisserie chicken
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth Liquid base; use vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Enhances flavor; omit if unavailable
For the Heartiness
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes Adds heartiness; other waxy potatoes may work
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cozy Leftover Turkey Lentil Soup
  1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 diced yellow onion and stir for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Incorporate 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the aromatic flavors to meld beautifully.
  3. Stir in one can of fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup of green lentils, and 2 cups of shredded leftover turkey into the pot. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and add 1 bay leaf.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it bubble lightly, which helps the lentils absorb all those wholesome flavors.
  5. Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lentils should begin to soften and expand.
  6. Once the lentils are softened, stir in 2 diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. After the potatoes are tender, discard the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
  8. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic naan for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This soup is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey while providing a warm and comforting meal.

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