Print

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup
Print Recipe

This Lentil Soup recipe is a quick, nutritious, and comforting meal made with hearty brown lentils, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy days and offers a warm, satisfying bowl of flavor and wholesome goodness suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Plain yogurt (for serving)
  • Olive oil drizzle
  • Fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrance.
  2. Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Stir in the brown lentils along with the canned tomatoes and their juices. This coats the lentils and vegetables in rich tomato flavor while beginning to build the soup’s body.
  3. Pour in Broth and Spices: Add the vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and adjust liquid as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or leave it chunky according to preference. Garnish with fresh herbs, yogurt, olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

  • Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dirt and excess foam during cooking.
  • Do not overcook lentils to maintain a pleasant texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Sauté vegetables properly until softened to develop rich base flavors.
  • Use fresh spices for optimal warmth and aroma.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or simmering uncovered to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, quick lentil soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, easy lentil recipe, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, brown lentils, comfort food

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