Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of lentil soup. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your home as you simmer those little legumes to perfection. It’s like a warm hug for your insides when the weather turns chilly or when you simply need a pick-me-up after a long day.

Lentil soup has been a staple in our household for as long as I can remember. My grandmother used to make it every Sunday, filling the kitchen with scents that drew us all in like moths to a flame. It was the kind of dish that could turn any gloomy day into a bright memory.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe myself; my friends were blown away by how delicious it turned out!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Green or Brown Lentils: These legumes are protein-packed and hold their shape well after cooking.
• Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; choose one that feels firm and heavy for its size.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring natural sweetness; look for ones with vibrant color and smooth skin.
• Celery Stalks: Fresh celery adds crunch; select crisp stalks without blemishes.
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; they should feel firm and smell pungent.
• Diced Tomatoes (Canned): Opt for no-salt-added versions so you can control seasoning better.
• Vegetable Broth: Homemade is best but store-bought works well too; choose low-sodium if possible.
• Bay Leaves: A couple of these leaves will infuse the broth with subtle flavor.
• Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices add warmth and complexity; use smoked paprika for an extra depth.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin gives the best flavor; use it generously when sautéing vegetables.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste preference.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools needed: cutting board, knife, large pot or Dutch oven.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in your pot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Spices: Toss in minced garlic along with cumin and paprika. Stir continuously until aromatic—approximately 1 minute—this step is crucial for building flavor.

Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in rinsed lentils along with canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil while stirring occasionally.

Simmer Away!: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and toss in bay leaves! Cover the pot and allow it to simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Taste Test Time!: Remove bay leaves and taste your masterpiece! Adjust salt and pepper as needed; add more spices if desired.

Serve It Up!: Ladle your beautifully thickened soup into bowls! Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if you’re feeling fancy!

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy every warm spoonful of this comforting lentil soup! It’s not just food—it’s nostalgia served in a bowl!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices to release flavors before adding lentils and broth. This method ensures every bite bursts with taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out lentils for beans or add in seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach for extra nutrients and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Cooking lentil soup reminds me of the time my friends said they couldn’t resist second helpings! Their enthusiasm made all my efforts worthwhile and sparked my passion for this hearty dish.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook lentil soup?

Lentil soup typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook on medium heat.

Can I freeze lentil soup?

Yes, lentil soup freezes well; store it in airtight containers for up to three months.

What can I serve with lentil soup?

Serve crusty bread or a fresh salad alongside lentil soup for a complete meal.

Print

Lentil Soup

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

A nourishing bowl of warmth brimming with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for cozy evenings and quick weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

• Green or Brown Lentils
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery Stalks
• Garlic
• Diced Tomatoes (Canned)
• Vegetable Broth
• Olive Oil
• Spices (Cumin, Paprika)
• Bay Leaves
• Salt & Pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low, add bay leaves, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Swap lentils for beans or add seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach for extra nutrition. For enhanced flavor, use homemade vegetable stock instead of store-bought broth.