Easy lentil soup Recipe

Lentil soup is a traditional dish made primarily from lentils, which are small, round legumes. The base typically includes onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, with seasonings such as cumin, turmeric, and thyme to enhance the taste. Broth is added to cook the lentils, creating a rich, flavorful soup. Often, it’s topped with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

The total time to make lentil soup typically takes about 40-50 minutes. This includes prepping the vegetables and cooking the lentils until tender. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of lentils used and how soft you prefer the soup. Most of the time is spent simmering the lentils and allowing the flavors to meld together.

Lentil soup is not only comforting but also easy to customize based on personal preferences. Adjusting the spices can give it a more robust flavor, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or potatoes can change its texture. For those who like a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add the perfect kick. The beauty of lentil soup is in its simplicity, and experimenting with different variations makes it even more enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love It Lentil Soup

• Healthy and Nutritious: Lentil soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a great choice for a balanced, healthy meal. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a nutritious diet.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, lentil soup is ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a low-effort recipe that delivers a warm, filling dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Affordable and Versatile: Lentils are inexpensive and widely available. You can customize the soup with various vegetables and spices, making it a flexible dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredient Notes for Lentil Soup

• Dry Lentils: These are the base of the soup. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber. They cook quickly and don’t require soaking, making them a perfect choice for a healthy, hearty meal. You can use any variety, but green or brown lentils are most common for soup.
• Onion: Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the soup. Onion is often used as a base for many soups and stews, contributing depth and aroma.
• Carrots: Carrots bring a natural sweetness and texture to the soup. They also add color and nutrients like vitamin A.
• Celery Stalks: Celery adds a mild, refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the carrots and onions. It’s a key vegetable for building flavor in soups.
• Garlic: Garlic enhances the flavor of the soup with its savory, slightly spicy taste. It also has health benefits, like boosting immunity.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes give the soup a slight acidity and richness, complementing the earthy flavor of the lentils.
• Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth: This adds the liquid and the main savory flavor to the soup. Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, while chicken broth offers a heartier taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil provides healthy fats and adds richness to the soup. It’s great for cooking, thanks to its high smoke point and flavor.
• Ground Cumin: This spice has a warm, earthy flavor. It pairs well with lentils and enhances the overall taste of the soup, making it slightly smoky.
• Turmeric: Known for its golden color and subtle flavor, turmeric adds a mild bitterness and is great for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Thyme: Thyme provides a fresh, herbal note to the soup. It complements the lentils and other vegetables well and gives the soup a comforting, earthy taste.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are used to infuse a subtle, herbal flavor during cooking. Be sure to remove them before serving, as they’re not meant to be eaten.
• Salt and Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the soup and enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to taste.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, helping to balance the richness of the soup and making the flavors pop.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. It’s often used as a garnish to add a hint of herbal flavor at the end.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Lentil soup is a nutritious and easy-to-make dish. To create the perfect bowl, start with fresh ingredients. Use dried lentils for a more wholesome texture, and choose a variety that suits your taste, such as red, green, or brown lentils. Adding spices like cumin and turmeric enhances flavor.

To improve your lentil soup, experiment with adding vegetables. Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic create a savory base. You can also add tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrients and color. Don’t forget to season well with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Each tweak makes the soup your own.

For a thicker texture, blend part of the soup. This gives it a creamy consistency without adding cream. If you prefer a lighter soup, skip this step and enjoy the hearty chunks of lentils and vegetables. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor.

Lentil Soup Variations

Lentil soup can be easily modified to suit different tastes. Here are a few popular variations:

• Spicy Lentil Soup: Add chili powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup some heat.
• Green Lentil Soup: Use green lentils instead of red lentils for a heartier soup that holds its shape better.
• Tomato Lentil Soup: Stir in a can of crushed tomatoes for a tangy, rich flavor.
• Coconut Lentil Soup: Add coconut milk for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
• Vegetable Lentil Soup: Load the soup with more vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.

How to Serve Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or pita for dipping. A warm loaf of sourdough complements the flavors perfectly.
• With a salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Topped with yogurt: For extra creaminess, add a dollop of plain yogurt on top of your soup just before serving.
• Garnished with herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme can elevate the flavor of the soup and give it a fresh, aromatic touch.

Storage Options

Lentil soup can be stored and enjoyed later, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the soup longer, you can freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
• Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water as the soup may thicken after being stored.

FAQs About Lentil Soup

Is lentil soup healthy?
Yes, lentil soup is healthy as it is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It is low in fat and can help support digestive health and weight management.

Can you freeze lentil soup?
Yes, lentil soup can be frozen for up to three months. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain its flavor and texture.

How long does lentil soup last in the fridge?
Lentil soup can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Be sure to store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh.

Can lentil soup be made vegan?
Absolutely! Lentil soup can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth and avoiding any animal-based ingredients like meat or dairy.

Easy lentil soup Recipe

Lentil soup is a traditional dish made primarily fromlentils, which are small, round legumes. The base typically includes onions,carrots, celery, and garlic, with seasonings such as cumin, turmeric, and thymeto enhance the taste. Broth is added to cook the lentils, creating a rich,flavorful soup. Often, it’s topped with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemonjuice for added freshness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup dry lentils green or brown
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp thyme dried
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice optional, for extra zest
• Fresh parsley or cilantro optional, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Chopping Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle
• Stirring Spoon
• Can Opener

Method

 

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
2. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, turmeric, and thyme. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. This will give your soup a warm, aromatic base.
3. Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Toss the lentils into the pot and mix them with the spiced vegetables. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir. The tomatoes will add a tangy flavor that complements the earthy lentils.
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the lentils are fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally, adding more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. For a fresh twist, stir in a tablespoon or two of lemon juice before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Lentil soup is incredibly forgiving. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. If you don’t have cumin, swap it out for curry powder. No celery? Try adding some spinach or kale for added greens. You can also add a variety of vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt when serving. The possibilities are endless!