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Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup
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A warm, hearty, and nutritious lentil soup made with brown or green lentils, fresh vegetables, and a blend of flavorful spices. This versatile and budget-friendly recipe is perfect for chilly days, delivering comfort and health in every spoonful. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnishes and Optional Add-ins

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for topping)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional for spice)
  • Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard (optional greens)
  • Smoked paprika or smoked sausage (optional smoky flavor)
  • Coconut milk (optional substitute for part of broth)
  • Lemon juice, plain yogurt, or sour cream (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Sauté Aromatics: Finely chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the soup’s flavorful foundation.
  2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, and thyme, stirring well to coat the vegetables evenly. Add the tomato paste and cook with the aromatics for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly, unlocking rich umami flavors.
  3. Incorporate Lentils and Broth: Rinse lentils under cold water and add them to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally, adding water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in any fresh herbs or optional greens right before serving for freshness and color. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt or sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • Rinse lentils well to remove any debris and reduce foam during cooking.
  • Do not over-stir the soup; gentle stirring keeps the lentils intact.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control saltiness better.
  • Allow the soup to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld.
  • For a creamier texture, mash some lentils against the side of the pot and stir in.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup, vegan soup, easy lentil recipe, healthy dinner, comfort food, gluten free soup

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