Save A hearty comforting soup loaded with lentils carrots and celery: perfect for chilly days budget-friendly and full of flavor.
I first made this lentil soup on a rainy weekend when I craved something both comforting and nourishing. The carrots and celery add just the right sweetness while lentils bring a lovely earthiness that makes each bowl so satisfying.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large diced
- Carrots: 3 medium peeled and diced
- Celery: 3 stalks diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Lentils: 1 1/2 cups (300 g) dried brown or green lentils rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.5 L)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g) with juice (optional)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill: 2 tablespoons chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges: for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion carrots and celery. Sauté for 6 < 8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Liquids:
- Add lentils vegetable broth diced tomatoes (if using) bay leaf cumin thyme salt pepper and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Simmer Soup:
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 < 35 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Finish Soup:
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Blend or Serve:
- For creamier texture use immersion blender to partially puree or leave chunky as desired.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle into bowls garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.
Save My family loves sitting together with a big pot of this hearty soup especially when served with crusty bread straight from the oven. It's become a staple at our table and never fails to bring everyone together for a cozy meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with toasted sourdough or whole grain rolls for an extra filling dinner.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 285 calories 5 g fat 45 g carbohydrates and 15 g protein making it a healthy choice for a plant-based meal.
Variations
Add diced potatoes spinach or kale for more variety. For a smoky twist use smoked paprika and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Save This lentil soup is simple satisfying and perfect for busy evenings or leisurely weekends. Enjoy every nourishing spoonful!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and develop a rich, earthy flavor when cooked in this soup.
- → Can I adjust the soup's thickness?
Yes, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky for more bite.
- → How can I add more variety to the dish?
Adding diced potatoes, spinach, or kale enhances the soup's nutrition and texture. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables.
- → What spices enhance the flavor?
Ground cumin and dried thyme provide warmth, while smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness if desired.
- → Is this dish suitable for special diets?
Yes, this fiber-rich, vegan-friendly soup contains no major allergens and can be adapted with gluten-free broth if needed.