Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dish made with simple ingredients such as lentils, vegetables, and broth. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it’s perfect for a healthy, filling meal. This soup is easy to prepare and can be customized with various spices, vegetables, and protein sources. Whether you're looking for a plant-based dinner or a comforting bowl of warmth, lentil soup is the ideal choice.
Equipment
- Large Pot (1)
- Cutting Board – 1
- Knife (1)
- Measuring spoons (1 set)
- Ladle – 1
- Can opener (1, if using canned lentils or broth)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils green, brown, or red
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin optional
- 1 teaspoon turmeric optional
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish optional
Instructions
Prepare the Lentils
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, and set them aside to drain.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Add Lentils and Broth
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Season the Soup
- Add the diced tomatoes (if using), cumin, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir everything together.
Cook the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and fully cooked. Check the consistency and adjust the liquid as needed.
Final Adjustments
- Once the lentils are soft, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.If you like, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish.
Serve
- Remove the pot from the heat, discard the bay leaves, and serve the soup hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some of the lentils.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, try adding a splash of coconut milk or blending the soup until smooth.
- You can add greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.