Easy and Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe

It’s a chilly evening, the kind where the wind howls like a banshee outside your window. You grab your favorite blanket and settle into the couch, dreaming of something warm and hearty. Enter lentil soup—your best friend on this frigid night. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your home as you simmer those little green gems with fragrant spices and fresh veggies. The anticipation builds as you envision that first spoonful warming you from the inside out.

I remember the first time I made lentil soup; it was during a particularly harsh winter. My friends were coming over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them while also avoiding a potential disaster in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: they loved it! Now, every time the cold sets in, I whip out this recipe like a magician revealing a rabbit from a top hat.

I still chuckle when I think about how my friends kept going back for seconds—and then thirds—while insisting they were “just trying to help me finish.” It’s one of those recipes that turns mere acquaintances into lifelong friends over a shared bowl of warmth.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: Choose dried lentils; they hold their shape better than canned ones.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color—look for firm ones without blemishes.
• Onion: A medium onion enhances flavor; yellow onions work wonderfully here.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic kick; minced or chopped works best.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch; try to pick crisp stalks for optimal texture.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring acidity; use fire-roasted ones for added depth.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels; homemade is ideal if you have it!
• Spices (Cumin & Paprika): Ground cumin lends earthiness while paprika offers warmth—don’t skip these!
• Bay Leaves: A couple of bay leaves infuse the soup with subtle flavor; remember to remove them before serving!
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential; adjust according to your personal taste preference.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances richness; extra-virgin offers the best flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together!

Sautéing the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Adding Lentils and Spices: Stir in rinsed lentils along with cumin and paprika until everything is well coated. Let those spices mingle around for about 1 minute.

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.

Simmer Away!: Toss in bay leaves along with salt and pepper before covering the pot. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.

Taste Test Time!: Remove bay leaves before tasting your masterpiece. Adjust seasoning if needed—this is where you can truly make it yours!

Serving Suggestions!: Ladle that beautiful soup into bowls while garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired!

Lentil soup is not just food—it’s magic in a bowl that warms the soul! Whether you’re serving it alongside crusty bread or enjoying it solo while binge-watching your favorite series, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every flavorful spoonful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add lentils and broth for perfect flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in kale or spinach, or sprinkle some lemon juice for an extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store lentil soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture.

I remember the first time I made lentil soup; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, asking if I’d secretly added magic!

FAQ

Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

Yes, using canned lentils can save time but adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I thicken my lentil soup?

Puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in for creaminess.

What are some good side dishes with lentil soup?

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Lentil Soup

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A hearty, nutritious dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings and simple enough for any night of the week.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

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• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in rinsed lentils, cumin, and paprika; cook for an additional minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Toss in bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Remove bay leaves before tasting; adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cheese if desired.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg