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Lentil soup

lentil soup

Lentil soup, hearty and delicious, ready in minutes. Discover this healthy, Mediterranean-inspired recipe and brighten your everyday meals.
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Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 270
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 unit yellow onion chopped
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 2 unit carrot diced
  • 2 unit celery stalks chopped
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 unit bay leaf
  • 5 cup vegetable broth
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute to release the fragrances.
  5. Add the lentils, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 35–40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or your favorite fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Notes

Lentil soup stands as a comforting staple beloved around the world, celebrated not only for its simplicity but also for its versatility. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this classic dish adapts beautifully to your pantry and taste.

Practical Tips & Swaps

Choose your lentils wisely: Brown or green lentils hold their shape well for a hearty texture, while red lentils create a creamier, more velvety soup.

Out of vegetable broth? Water works in a pinch, especially if you bump up the aromatics and seasonings for extra flavor. Chicken broth is another option if you’re not strictly plant-based.

Add depth of flavor: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until golden brings natural sweetness to the soup. To elevate even more, toss in a splash of lemon juice right before serving or finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh kick.

Preparation Techniques

Don’t skip rinsing the lentils—it helps remove any dust or small debris. For a thicker soup, blend a cup or two after cooking and stir it back in. Like it spicy? Add a pinch of chili flakes when sautéing the aromatics.

Serving & Variations

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Try stirring in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt before serving for creaminess, or add chopped leafy greens (like spinach or kale) in the last few minutes for a nutritional boost. Leftover lentil soup keeps well for several days and even tastes better as the flavors meld, making it ideal for meal prep.

With just a few tweaks, you can easily create a new favorite every time you revisit this warm, satisfying classic!