Description
This Lentil Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender lentils with vegetables and spices in a hearty broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, providing both nourishment and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed (green or brown lentils work best)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Spices and Lentils: Stir in cumin, turmeric (if using), paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add Greens (Optional): Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg