Recipes

Turkey Lentil Soup

Serves 4

| Prep Time: 15 mins

| Cook Time: 45 mins

| Total Time: 1 hour

You may need: Turkmen Sultan Blend

Discover The Recipe

In the chilly embrace of winter, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of lentil soup. Our adaptation of a universal lentil soup marries healthy ground turkey with the nutrient-dense red lentils, woven together with our unique collection of spices we call Turkmen Sultan blend. Lentil soup recipes are global citizens, served hot in nearly every corner of the globe. Our chefs spiced an easy to make soup to highlight Central Asian flavors, paying homage to the country of Turkmenistan—a land renowned for its stunning deserts, intricate textiles, and, of course, its tasty cuisine.

In Turkmenistan, where the Caspian Sea meets the expansive Turan Plain, a sandy depression that was a shallow sea ten millennia ago, meals are simple and nourishing. Influenced by a nomadic past, Turkmen dishes often feature meats, rice, breads, and vibrant produce, accentuated by a tapestry of robust herbs and spices honoring this stop along the ancient Silk Road. Our rendition of Turkey Lentil Soup draws inspiration from this rich heritage, incorporating our signature Turkmen Sultan spice blend. With hints of refreshing spearmint and parsley, mingled with the warm embrace of cumin, coriander, and ginger, each spoonful transports you to the heart of Central Asia. But the beauty of this soup lies not only in its flavors but also in its adaptability. Whether you opt for a plant-based protein or opt for a different meat, each spoonful will offer a beacon of warmth and sustenance in the midst of winter's chill.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp oil, divided in half
1 lb ground turkey, 93%-97% lean blend
1 tsp salt plus more to season final soup
1 small onion, diced
1 large carrot, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 roma tomatoes
1 green chili like jalapeno or serrano, minced
1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 Tbsp Piquant Post Turkmen Sultan spice
Garnish: Chopped cilantro leaves (optional), extra virgin olive oil drizzle

Notes

Blending the soup is optional so feel free to skip that step if you prefer a chunky soup texture.

Instructions

Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a medium pot like a dutch oven over Med heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink and the liquid evaporates. Season with salt and stir. Remove the cooked turkey from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Add remainder of oil to pot. Saute onion, carrot and celery for 5 mins. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 mins. Add roma tomatoes, chili pepper, lentils, chicken stock and Piquant Post Turkmen Sultan spice and stir. Cover pot and simmer over Med-Low heat for 30 mins or until lentils and vegetables are tender.

Once the lentils and vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender and puree until smooth. If you prefer a runny consistency, add more stock ½ cup at a time and blend. Alternatively, you can add the soup to a high speed blender and slowly pulse until smooth then return the soup back to the pot (safety tip: let soup cool slightly before blending!).

Add the cooked ground turkey and season soup with 1 tsp of salt or more to taste. Simmer soup for an additional 5 mins. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Here’s a highly nutritious recipe for Turkey Lentil soup that is perfect for cozy weeknights at home. Not a fan of turkey? Then another ground protein option like ground beef or ground lamb works perfectly in this recipe as well.
This recipe is traditionally made with red lentils, however you can use another variety like green or yellow lentils.
Try adding some more vegetables like sweet potatoes for a heartier soup!
For a plant-based soup, just omit the ground meat all together or use your favorite brand of vegan ground meat in its place.
We always look out for our meat-free friends so try our Mushroom Beshbarmak recipe – a hearty mushroom and potato stew with a ton of local comfort. Or try this vegan Red Lentil Gutap.
Interested in more recipes featuring our Turkmen Sultan blend? Try our recipes for Turkish Mint Manti Dumplings, or a Turkmen Shepherd’s Pie.
Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost!