Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of a hearty, slow-cooked soup that practically makes itself! This Crockpot Smoked Turkey Lentil Soup is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave maximum flavor with minimal effort, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, chopping, and slicing as specified in the ingredient list. Ensure lentils are thoroughly rinsed and drained to remove any debris.
- Slice the smoked turkey sausage into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the soup.
- Place the chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery into the crockpot as a flavor base.
- Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage on top of the vegetable layer in the crockpot.
- Pour the rinsed lentils over the sausage and vegetables, spreading them evenly across the surface.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the crockpot, ensuring all ingredients are mostly covered by liquid.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme over the top of the ingredients, gently stirring to distribute the herb.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing ingredients to slowly simmer and develop deep, rich flavors.
- After 6 hours, check the soup's consistency. If too thick, add a small amount of additional chicken broth. If too thin, leave uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
- Serve in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Take time to uniformly chop vegetables and slice sausage to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Lentil Love: Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent potential grittiness in your soup.
- Layering Matters: Start with vegetables on the bottom, then add sausage and lentils to create a perfect flavor foundation.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Stick to the low heat setting for 6 hours to allow flavors to develop and ingredients to become perfectly tender.
- Liquid Consistency Check: Don't be afraid to adjust the broth – add more if too thick or leave uncovered if too thin during the last 30 minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the presentation and add a fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
