Lentil Soup Recipe

A Warm and Comforting Dish

Look no further than this Lentil Soup recipe! Packed with protein-rich lentils, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe and learn how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing this flavorful Lentil Soup:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground thyme, and ground turmeric to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed and drained lentils to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth or water. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and the juice of 1 lemon. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some lentils and vegetables whole for texture.
8. Serve the Lentil Soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, croutons, or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success:

• You can add other vegetables like diced potatoes, chopped spinach, or kale to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
• For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream before serving.
• Customize the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

In conclusion, this Lentil Soup recipe is a perfect choice for a comforting and nutritious meal. With its blend of hearty lentils, flavorful spices, and fresh herbs, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of wholesome goodness!