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Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup
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Lentil Soup is a hearty, warm, and nutritious comfort food made with simple pantry staples. This savory soup combines lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a satisfying and wholesome meal. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or nourishing lunches, offering rich flavors and textural delight in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried lentils (red, green, or brown)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes & Herbs

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, extra virgin olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base for your Lentil Soup.
  2. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir constantly to toast the spices slightly, releasing their natural oils and deepening the soup’s aromatic profile.
  3. Incorporate Lentils and Liquids: Rinse lentils thoroughly and add them to the pot along with chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently to allow the lentils to soften and flavors to meld.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Cook for about 30 to 40 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and skim any foam that forms on the surface for a clean, clear soup.
  5. Season and Garnish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top to brighten the finish of your Lentil Soup. Add optional toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

  • Soaking lentils is optional but can shorten cooking time and aid digestion.
  • Using homemade vegetable broth improves the soup’s flavor compared to store-bought.
  • Do not overcook lentils to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or mashing some lentils for a creamier texture.
  • Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes off heat before serving to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lentil Soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, healthy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/lentil-soup/