Lentil Soup

235

18

1.30k

The Comfort of Lentil Soup

There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of lentil soup. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly evening, as the scent of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen. This recipe is more than just a blend of ingredients; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that nourishes both body and soul. Packed with fiber and protein, it’s perfect for quick weekday dinners or leisurely weekend brunches. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking to eat well without overspending.

"This lentil soup has become our go-to weeknight meal. It’s hearty, healthy, and easy to make. The flavors just get better the longer it sits!" – A satisfied home cook

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Lentil soup is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. What makes this dish so special? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can whip it up in about an hour, making it a viable option for busy evenings. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, and lentils are known for being nutritious and filling. The spices bring everything together, creating a taste explosion without the need for complicated techniques.

This soup is also perfect for all occasions—be it a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering. It warms you up, fills you up, and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. So, why not make this delightful dish your new culinary staple?

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making lentil soup is as easy as it gets! Start by sautéing your aromatics to build a solid flavor base. Then, add the lentils and stock, let it simmer, and finish with a splash of lemon for brightness. Here’s a brief rundown of how it all comes together:

1. Sauté the garlic and onion for flavor.
2. Cook the carrots and celery until they soften.
3. Combine the rest of the ingredients and simmer until the lentils are tender.
4. Blend to your desired texture, season, and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Ready to dive deeper? Let’s gather your ingredients!

What You’ll Need

Pin It!

To make this comforting lentil soup, you’ll need the following:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped (white, brown, or yellow work great)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 celery ribs, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 cups / 400g dried lentils (green or brown, rinsed)
• 400g / 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1.5 litres / 1.5 quarts (6 cups) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp each cumin and coriander powder
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika powder
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 lemon (zest + juice)
• 1/4 tsp salt and pepper (each)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Warm bread, to serve

Notes:

• You can substitute any type of lentils you have on hand, and if you prefer a vegetarian version, stick with vegetable broth.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be added for extra flavor if you desire.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped celery and carrot. Cook for 7-10 minutes until softened and the onion becomes sweet. Patience here is key!
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, cumin, coriander, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly.
4. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high until the mixture simmers. Skim any scum off the surface, discarding it.
5. Let It Cook: Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 35-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
6. Finish the Soup: Remove bay leaves. For a thicker texture, use a stick blender for a few pulses. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups to a blender, blend, and return to the pot.
7. Season and Serve: Adjust consistency with water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Add lemon zest and juice just before serving, garnishing with parsley. Serve with warm, crusty bread spread with butter.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Lentil soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving suggestions. For a beautiful presentation, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up the flavors too. Consider pairing it with:

• Crusty bread or a warm baguette, ideal for dipping.
• A side salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Cheese toasties—because melted cheese makes everything better!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing your lentil soup is simple. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to adjust the consistency as needed.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Take your time when cooking the onions and garlic. This step is crucial for building the soup’s base flavor.
• If you’re short on time, consider using canned lentils to speed up the cooking process.
• Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Creative Twists

Why not customize your lentil soup? Here are some variations to try:

• Curried Lentil Soup: Add curry powder or coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Lentil Soup: Toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to bring the heat.
• Herbed Lemon Lentil Soup: Add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro, plus more lemon juice for brightness.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Absolutely! Drain and rinse canned lentils and add them in for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to heat through.

How long does this soup take to prepare?

From start to finish, expect about 1 hour, with hands-on time around 20 minutes.

What can I serve with lentil soup?

It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a simple cheese toastie.

How do I store lentil soup?

Cool it down, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Now that you have all the insights for making this delicious Lentil Soup, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy the process and, of course, the delightful results.

Lentil Soup

Please rate us

A hearty and comforting lentil soup, filled with nutrients and flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Print it Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Global, Vegetarian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Base Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped white, brown, or yellow work great
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 ribs celery, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 cups dried lentils (green or brown, rinsed)
• 400 g crushed tomatoes
• 1.5 litres low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (6 cups)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika powder
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 lemon zest + juice
• 1/4 tsp salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Warm bread, to serve

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the chopped celery and carrot. Cook for 7-10 minutes until softened and the onion becomes sweet.
3. Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, cumin, coriander, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly.
4. Increase the heat to high until the mixture simmers. Skim any scum off the surface, discarding it.
5. Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 35-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaves. For a thicker texture, use a stick blender for a few pulses. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups to a blender, blend, and return to the pot.
7. Adjust consistency with water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Add lemon zest and juice just before serving, garnishing with parsley.
8. Serve with warm, crusty bread spread with butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 500mgFiber: 15gSugar: 6g

Notes

You can substitute any type of lentils and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!