Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a comforting, hearty dish that warms both the body and soul, perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. This recipe combines earthy lentils with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a deliciously rich flavor profile. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings back memories of laughter and warmth shared with loved ones. Enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread for an inviting meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Instructions
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add cumin and smoked paprika; mix well.
- Incorporate lentils and diced tomatoes into the pot.
- Pour in vegetable broth to cover ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- If using greens, stir in spinach or kale just before serving until wilted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - Soak lentils overnight for quicker cooking. - Feel free to swap out vegetables based on availability. - A splash of lemon juice before serving adds brightness.