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Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup
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Hearty and nutritious Lentil Soup packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and robust flavors. This comforting and versatile recipe is simple to prepare using basic pantry staples and perfect for cozy nights or nourishing meals. Customize with veggies, spices, or protein additions to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional for smoky flavor)
  • 1 bay leaf

Fresh Herbs (for garnish)

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
  2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle cumin, paprika, and bay leaf into the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop its natural sweetness and blend it with the spices.
  3. Incorporate Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
  5. Finish and Season: Remove from heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to brighten flavors.

Notes

  • Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dirt and dust for a cleaner taste.
  • Monitor cooking times carefully to avoid overcooking lentils and ending up with mushy texture.
  • Toast spices in olive oil before adding liquids to enhance their flavor impact.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding extra broth for thinner soup or mashing some lentils for creaminess.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lentil Soup, Comfort Food, Healthy Soup, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Easy Soup

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/lentil-soup/