Easy and Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe

Lentil soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine a bubbling pot filled with earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables wafting through your kitchen. The cozy smell alone could entice even the pickiest eater!

When I think of lentil soup, I’m transported back to cozy winter evenings spent curled up on the couch with my family. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and comfort while filling our bellies and our hearts. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this delightful soup is perfect for every occasion.

A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.

I once made this lentil soup for friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Green or Brown Lentils: These legumes cook well and hold their shape beautifully in soups.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color; choose firm ones for best results.
• Celery: Celery contributes crunchiness and flavor depth; opt for bright green stalks.
• Onion: Use yellow onions for their balance of sweetness and sharpness; they form the flavor base.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic goodness; don’t skimp on them!
• Canned Tomatoes: They add acidity and richness; crushed tomatoes work wonders here.
• Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
• Spices (Cumin & Thyme): Cumin adds warmth while thyme lends earthiness; these are must-have spices!
• Olive Oil: A drizzle provides richness; use extra virgin for optimal taste.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Veggies!: Start by dicing your onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. The smaller they are, the quicker they’ll cook down into deliciousness.

Sauté the Aromatics!: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions first until translucent and fragrant—this will take about 5 minutes.

Add Your Veggies!: Toss in carrots and celery next. Sauté everything together until softened, about another 5 minutes; let those flavors mingle!

Add Garlic & Spices!: Stir in minced garlic along with cumin and thyme. Cook until fragrant—around 30 seconds—because who doesn’t love that garlic aroma?

Add Lentils & Tomatoes!: Pour in washed lentils along with canned tomatoes (juice included). Stir thoroughly so everything combines nicely.

Add Broth & Simmer!: Pour vegetable broth into your pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat; let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.

Taste regularly during simmering! Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper if you desire extra zing.

Now you have an easy-to-make lentil soup that can warm anyone’s heart! Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside salads for a fulfilling meal any day of the week!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

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

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different vegetables or spices based on your mood or pantry staples for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lentil soup in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Making lentil soup always reminds me of that one rainy Sunday when I invited friends over. The aroma wafted through my apartment, and they couldn’t resist asking for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Yes, dried lentils are great; just soak them beforehand to reduce cooking time.

What types of lentils work best for soup?

Brown and green lentils hold their shape well while red lentils become creamy when cooked.

How do I thicken my lentil soup?

Mash some cooked lentils against the pot sides or add more vegetables for a thicker texture.

Print

Easy and Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm your soul with this hearty lentil soup, a comforting blend of earthy lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the carrots and celery; sauté for another 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in minced garlic along with cumin and thyme; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Add lentils and crushed tomatoes (juice included), stirring well to combine.
6. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
7. Taste regularly and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside salads for a fulfilling meal!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 13g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.