Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this lentil soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch option, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich flavors that come together beautifully with every spoonful.
- Quick and easy prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
- Perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Onion, carrots, celery: The base of flavor for the soup.
- Garlic: Adds a savory kick.
- Lentils: Provide protein and heartiness.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy sweetness.
- Vegetable broth: Infuses the soup with a savory depth.
- Spices: Bay leaf, cumin, paprika, turmeric, thyme – for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the soup.
- Spinach or kale: Adds a pop of green and extra nutrients.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: Adds a fresh finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and spices. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, spinach or kale, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand for a versatile dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use red lentils for a creamier texture.
- Toast spices before adding them for a deeper flavor profile.
- Add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this lentil soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For a complete meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a grain salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown lentils?
- Yes, red lentils will work well in this recipe and provide a creamier texture.
- How can I make this soup more filling?
- Add in extra vegetables or serve with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
- You can use chicken broth or water with added seasoning for a similar effect.
Conclusion:
Warm your soul with a bowl of this delicious lentil soup. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy and share your feedback with us!
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Lentil Soup
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Various
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty lentil soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with veggies and flavorful spices. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon or 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Optional Ingredients:
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and saute onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Add lentils, tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, cumin, paprika, turmeric, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until lentils are tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in lemon juice, spinach or kale if using, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg