Discover The Secret To Perfect Lentil Soup With This Easy Recipe

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

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
• ½ 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 sauté 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.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the lentil soup warm with crusty bread or a side of rice for a complete meal.
• Pair it with a green salad for a lighter option.

Enjoy your nutritious and comforting lentil soup.