Red Lentil Turkey Soup

This red lentil turkey soup is a hearty and nutritious delight perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days. The rich aroma of spices blends beautifully with the gentle texture of lentils, creating a comforting yet flavorful dish. The recipe incorporates fresh vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and celery, making it a wholesome meal. The addition of smoked meat adds a delicious depth to the soup’s profile, while creamy melted cheese and fresh parsley bring a delightful finish. This soup is not only filling but also offers a vibrant medley of flavors that will please both meat lovers and vegetarians with a few tweaks. The unique blend of herbs like thyme and citrusy pepper elevates the experience, giving you a taste that's both familiar and exotic. Ideal as a starter or a main course, this soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. With just about an hour from start to finish, it's a recipe that fits well into a busy lifestyle without compromising on taste or health.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Red lentils (amount as desired for desired soup thickness)
• Water
• Smoked meat or bacon - a small piece
• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 or 2 stalks celery
• 1 carrot
• 1 tomato
• 1 potato
• 1 tablespoon melted cheese (plain, no additives)

Spices and Sauces

• Fine salt
• Olive oil
• Lemon pepper
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Water: Begin by heating a pot of water until it reaches a bubbling boil.
2. Prepare the Base: Meanwhile, in a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Dice the smoked meat, onion, and garlic, then sauté in the pan until lightly browned and fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Chop the celery stalk, and grate the carrot, and add them along with diced tomato to the pan.
5. Brief Sauté: Sauté these vegetables for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavors.
6. Incorporate Lentils: Add the red lentils to the vegetables, followed by lemon pepper, fresh thyme, and some salt to taste.
7. Cook Further: Continue to cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8. Combine with Water: Transfer everything from the pan into the pot of boiling water.
9. Add Remainder Ingredients: Chop the potato into small cubes and add it to the pot along with a bay leaf.
10. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes.
11. Remove from Heat: Once the lentils and potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat.
12. Final Touches: Combine melted cheese and fresh, chopped parsley into the hot soup. Adjust salt as necessary.
13. Stir and Serve: Mix well until the cheese is fully dissolved, adding creaminess and richness to the broth.
14. Presentation: Serve the aromatic and hearty soup hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
15. Enjoy: Relish the robust flavors and comforting warmth.

Tips

• Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth.
• Lentil Choices: While red lentils are recommended, you can substitute for yellow or green for a slight texture change.
• Thickening: Adjust the lentil amount to control the soup’s thickness.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Proteins: 12g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herbaceous Touch: Consider adding basil or oregano for additional herbal notes.
• Cheese Choice: Swap the melted cheese with grated Parmesan or a vegan alternative to cater to dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Pair with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to complement the soup’s heartiness.
• Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or yogurt can add creaminess and a tangy layer to the soup.
• Beverages: A glass of crisp white wine or herbal tea pairs nicely with this hearty dish.

Best Places

1. Soupa Café - Cozy place serving rustic soups with international flavors. Location: Carrer de l'Espaseria, 3, Barcelona, Spain.
2. The Soup Kitchen - Known for sustainable practices and inventive recipes. Location: Victoria House, Glasshouse Street, London, UK.
3. Café de Flore - Comfortable café with an expansive menu of soups and more. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
4. 1847 Café - Offers a plant-based menu featuring delicious soup options. Location: 58 Listergate, Nottingham, UK.
5. Heidi's Soup Closet - Famous for creative renditions of classic soups. Location: 24th St, San Francisco, CA, USA.
6. Gumbo Limbo - Features an array of soups with tropical inspirations. Location: 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL, USA.
7. Sopa Tulum - A fusion café known for hearty soups with exotic spices. Location: Av. Tulum, Tulum, Mexico.
8. Broth of Life - Offers traditional soup recipes with modern flair. Location: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia.
9. Zuppa - Italian-inspired cozy spot with diverse soup offerings. Location: Sepúlveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
10. Harlem Soup Kitchen - Known for rich, soulful soups in a community atmosphere. Location: 645 West 129th St, New York, NY, USA.