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Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup

Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup
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Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup is a warm, comforting, and nutritious meal that combines earthy lentils with naturally sweet potatoes. Perfect for chilly days, this soup offers a rich flavor profile with simple pantry ingredients, making it easy to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences including vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into uniform pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili (for a spicy kick)
  • 1 cup kale, spinach, or collard greens (stirred in near end)
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (to replace part of broth for creamy twist)
  • Diced carrots or parsnips (for additional root veggie boost)
  • Toasted seeds or nuts (for garnish)
  • Dollop of yogurt or vegan sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Base Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation your soup needs.
  2. Add Spices and Lentils: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Stir together to toast the spices lightly, then add the rinsed dried brown lentils and chopped sweet potatoes. This step ensures the flavors blend deeply with the ingredients.
  3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth over the mixture and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the soup thickens nicely.
  4. Season and Blend if Desired: Add salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, leaving some chunky bits for texture. Otherwise, serve as-is for a rustic feel.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a vibrant burst of freshness that brightens up the whole dish.

Notes

  • Pre-soak lentils for 30 minutes to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
  • Chop sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Toast spices before adding liquid to unlock full aroma and depth.
  • Adjust thickness by adding more broth for a thinner soup or cooking uncovered longer for a stew-like consistency.
  • Avoid overcooking lentils and sweet potatoes to maintain texture—aim for tender but not mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, sweet potato soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, healthy soup, cozy meal, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/lentil-and-sweet-potato-soup/