Easy Comforting Lentil Soup

$- 1 cup green or brown lentils - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery sticks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Spices: ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped - Olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish I love the heartiness of lentil soup. It’s simple, yet so comforting. The base starts with lentils, a great source of protein and fiber. You can choose green or brown lentils, both work well. Chop one medium onion and two carrots. These veggies add sweetness and depth. Next, to boost the flavor, add celery and garlic. Two diced celery sticks and three minced garlic cloves make a big difference. The spices really shine here too. Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric all add warmth. Just one teaspoon of each spice will elevate your soup. Now, let’s talk about the liquid. You need six cups of vegetable broth for a rich base. One can of diced tomatoes gives it a nice acidity. Finally, I love adding greens. You can mix in two cups of chopped kale or spinach. They add color and nutrients. To finish, use olive oil, salt, and pepper. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is the cherry on the cake. This dish is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor. Grab these ingredients, and let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery sticks. Cook these veggies until they become soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a tasty base for your soup. Next, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric. Stir and cook for another minute. This helps to release the spices' rich flavors. Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Incorporate 1 cup of rinsed lentils and 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Now, pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. After that, stir in 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to wilt the greens. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort of your lentil soup! To cook lentils just right, rinse them well before use. This removes dirt and debris. Use green or brown lentils for a hearty texture. These types hold their shape well during cooking. Simmer them in broth for great flavor. Season the soup as it cooks. Add salt and pepper toward the end. This helps enhance the taste without over-salting. Taste the soup before serving, and adjust as needed. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Pair your soup with crusty bread for a cozy meal. The warm bread complements the soup's rich flavors. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for added crunch. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil for extra richness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a gentle heat to avoid overcooking the lentils. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Get creative with leftovers! Use the soup as a filling for wraps or grain bowls. You can also blend it into a smooth puree for a different texture. Add some cooked grains for a hearty lunch. Pro Tips Rinse Your Lentils: Rinsing lentils before cooking helps to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean and tasty soup. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to swap out kale or spinach with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for different flavors and textures. Add Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove. {{image_2}} You can change the type of lentils you use. Red lentils cook faster and become soft. Black lentils add a nice texture. Both options work well in this soup. Seasonal vegetables are great too. In spring, try adding peas or asparagus. In winter, root veggies like parsnips or turnips shine. This keeps the soup fresh and fun. Want to make it heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken or sausage really boosts flavor. If you prefer plant-based options, try chickpeas or tofu. These add texture and nutrition. For a creamy touch, add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream. These options make the soup rich and satisfying. Adjust the spices for your taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. They bring warmth and depth. You can also switch herbs to freshen it up. Thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro can change the soup's vibe. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor. To keep your lentil soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Make sure the soup cools down first. Proper cooling helps prevent bacteria growth. Lentil soup can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. Your soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating your lentil soup, the stove is best. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Stir well to mix. This keeps your soup creamy and delicious. In the fridge, expect your lentil soup to last 4-5 days. If you freeze it, aim to use it within 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If the soup smells sour or has mold, it’s time to toss it. Eating spoiled soup can cause food sickness. Always trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out. You can serve many tasty sides with lentil soup. Here are some great ideas: - Crusty bread: A warm, fresh loaf pairs perfectly. - Salads: A light green salad adds freshness. - Grilled cheese: This classic comfort food goes well with soup. - Rice or quinoa: These grains can add heartiness to your meal. Mix and match these options to create a cozy dining experience. Yes, lentil soup is very healthy. Lentils are packed with nutrients. They are rich in protein and fiber. This helps keep you full and satisfied. They also have vitamins and minerals, like iron and folate. Eating lentils can support heart health and digestive health. Plus, this soup is low in fat and calories. It’s a great choice for a healthy meal. Absolutely! To make lentil soup in a slow cooker, follow these steps: 1. Sauté the base: First, cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil on the stove. This adds flavor. 2. Combine the ingredients: Add the sautéed veggies to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. 3. Set the heat: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 4. Finish up: Stir in the greens about 30 minutes before serving. Using a slow cooker makes this soup easy and convenient. Lentil soup is quick! Here’s a breakdown of the time: - Prep time: About 10 minutes to chop veggies and gather ingredients. - Cook time: Around 25-30 minutes on the stove. So, you can have a warm bowl of lentil soup ready in about 45 minutes. It’s a great option for a weeknight meal. Lentil soup is simple to make and packed with flavor. We covered the key ingredients, from lentils and veggies to spices and greens. I shared my step-by-step process, tips for perfecting taste and texture, and how to use leftovers creatively. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. Lentil soup is healthy, filling, and great for any time of year. Experiment with variations and enjoy each flavorful bite!$

A hearty and nutritious lentil soup that is perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
2 sticks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon turmeric
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (including juices), and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Keyword comfort food, lentils, soup, vegetarian