Easy and Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe
When it comes to comforting and nutritious meals, nothing beats a warm bowl of lentil soup. Not only is it packed with plant-based protein and fiber, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish to serve as leftovers, this lentil soup recipe is the perfect addition to your easy dinner recipe collection. With a blend of aromatic spices, vegetables, and lentils, this easy soup recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Why Lentil Soup?
Lentil soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Lentils are rich in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, making them a great option for vegetarian or vegan meals. This easy recipe is not only healthy but also budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. The combination of these aromatics creates a savory base that elevates the flavor of this lentil soup recipe.
2. Add Spices and Lentils:
Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. These spices give the soup a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of smokiness. After toasting the spices for a minute, add the rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable broth or water and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season and Serve:
Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the soup before serving. For an extra burst of flavor, serve each bowl with a lemon wedge on the side – the citrus enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Why This Lentil Soup Recipe Works:
This lentil soup stands out for its balance of spices and heartiness. The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric gives the dish a depth of flavor, while the fresh parsley and lemon brighten each bite. It’s one of those easy soup recipes that you can customize depending on what you have on hand—try adding spinach, kale, or even some diced potatoes for variety. Plus, the entire meal comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights.
Tips for Success:
Make It Ahead: Lentil soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can easily store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some lentils and vegetables whole for a mix of textures.
Protein Boost: For a non-vegetarian version, you can add shredded chicken or sausage to the soup for an extra protein boost.
This lentil soup recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into something delicious and hearty. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can master. Add it to your list of easy dinner recipes, and enjoy a flavorful, wholesome meal that warms both the body and soul.
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