lentil soup recipe

The scent of earthy spices wafts through the air as you ladle steaming bowls of this comforting lentil soup recipe. Picture a cozy evening where every spoonful warms not just your body but your soul.

As the sun sets and the chill creeps in, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a pot of bubbling goodness. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl that brings laughter and love to the table while making even the pickiest eaters beg for seconds.

Family and friends can’t stop raving about how delicious it is when I serve this at gatherings—it’s become my go-to comfort dish!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: Choose dried lentils as they hold their shape better; rinse them before use.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
• Celery: Use crisp celery stalks to bring a refreshing crunch to your soup.
• Onion: A medium onion will provide a flavorful base; chop finely to release its sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; minced garlic packs a powerful punch.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth for better flavor control without extra salt.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity and balance; choose fire-roasted for an extra kick.
• Spices (Cumin, Thyme): These spices elevate the flavor profile; adjust according to your taste preference.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil brings richness; use high-quality oil for best results.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings—taste along the way to achieve your desired flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping all your vegetables—onions, celery, and carrots—into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the lentils under cold water until clear.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped carrots and celery. Stir occasionally until softened—around 5 minutes—and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen.

Add Lentils & Spices: Stir in rinsed lentils along with cumin and thyme. Allow them to toast slightly with the vegetables—this deepens their flavors brilliantly.

Pour in Broth & Tomatoes: Add vegetable broth and canned tomatoes to the pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer gently for about 30 minutes.

Taste & Adjust Seasoning: After 30 minutes, taste your soup. You might want more salt or pepper here—season to perfection as you stir!

Enjoy this delightful journey from raw ingredients to a warm bowl filled with love. Each step brings you closer to an exciting culinary experience that dances on your taste buds!

Now sit down with that hearty bowl of lentil soup you’ve created! Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad—it’s comfort food at its finest.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding lentils and broth for maximum flavor. This sequence ensures a rich base that enhances every bite.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out lentils for chickpeas or add spinach for extra nutrients. Experimenting with spices like cumin can also elevate this dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Cooking lentil soup brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter and delicious aromas filled the air as we gathered around her table.

FAQ

What kind of lentils should I use for this lentil soup recipe?

For this lentil soup recipe, brown or green lentils work best due to their texture.

Can I make this lentil soup recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does this lentil soup recipe take to cook?

This lentil soup recipe typically takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.

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Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm your soul with this hearty lentil soup, brimming with nutritious ingredients and comforting flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a delightful dish that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onions and garlic; sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in carrots and celery; cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add rinsed lentils, cumin, and thyme; toast slightly.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - For extra nutrients, consider adding spinach or swapping lentils for chickpeas. - Let the soup sit overnight in the fridge for even better flavor the next day.