Discover The Secret To Perfect Lentil Soup With This Easy Recipe

Lentil soup is a nutritious dish made by simmering lentils with saut ed vegetables, spices, and broth. It's flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a wholesome meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy with bread or rice.

Lentil soup is a healthy and comforting dish made with lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices like cumin and paprika. The base is built with sauteed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, followed by simmering lentils in broth. Tomatoes and optional turmeric add richness and depth. The soup is finished with lemon juice and fresh herbs for a vibrant touch. You can blend part of it for a creamy texture or leave it chunky. Serve it warm with bread or rice for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

1 cup lentils (red, yellow, or green lentils work well)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 medium carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
1 medium tomato (chopped) or 1 cup canned tomatoes
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon paprika
teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color and added health benefits)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Juice of half a lemon (optional, for tanginess)

Instructions

Prepare the Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water. If using green lentils, soak them for 30 minutes to reduce cooking time.
Saute the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and saut until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Build the Soup Base:
- Add the chopped tomato or canned tomatoes to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they break down slightly.
- Stir in the spices: cumin, paprika, turmeric (if using), and a pinch of salt. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute.
Add Lentils and Liquid:
- Pour in the rinsed lentils and stir to coat them with the vegetable mixture.
- Add the broth or water along with the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot with a lid.
Simmer the Soup:
- Cook for 25-30 minutes (20 minutes for red lentils) or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more liquid if the soup becomes too thick.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and seasoning as needed. For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some lentils using a spoon.
Add Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the lemon juice for brightness and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.