Turkey Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 3-4 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup ( 200 g) green lentils
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup (100 g) small pasta
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan shavings for garnishing, optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot...: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.

2. 2

   Stir in the garlic and cook for an...: Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking...: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.

4. 4

   Stir in the fresh thyme, sage, rosemary, red...: Stir in the fresh thyme, sage, rosemary, red chili flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

5. 5

   Pour in crushed tomatoes, green lentils, Parmesan rind...: Pour in crushed tomatoes, green lentils, Parmesan rind (if using), and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low and let the...: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, partially covered, for 20-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.

7. 7

   Around 10-12 minutes before the lentils are fully...: Around 10-12 minutes before the lentils are fully cooked, stir in the small pasta and cook according to package directions.

8. 8

   Remove the Parmesan rind (if used). Adjust the...: Remove the Parmesan rind (if used). Adjust the seasoning and serve hot, topped with Parmesan shavings or grated Parmesan if you like.