Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Lentil Soup Recipe! Perfectly balanced spices, hearty lentils, and a burst of freshness make every spoonful a delight. It’s not just a soup, it’s a wholesome experience. Try it today and elevate your mealtime!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, finely chopped or minced, for a robust flavor.
- Carrots: 3, finely chopped, contribute sweetness and texture.
- Celery Stalks: 3 cups, finely chopped, for a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Salt: 2 teaspoons, enhances all the flavors.
- Lentils: 1 pound, picked and rinsed, the base of the soup, providing protein and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can, adds acidity and richness.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 6 cups, forms the soup’s flavorful liquid base.
- Ground Coriander: 1/2 teaspoon, for a citrusy, nutty flavor.
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon, adds earthiness and warmth.
- Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for a mild heat.
- Ground All-Spice: 1/4 teaspoon, contributes a warm, sweet flavor.
- Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, for a spicy, zesty kick.
- Lemon Juice: From 1/2 lemon (about 2 teaspoons), adds freshness and brightness.
Instructions
- Start the Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, all-spice, and ginger. Stir well to combine everything.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes. This allows the lentils to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Season and Add Lemon Juice: After the lentils are tender, season the soup with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Stir well to combine. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Lentil Variety: Brown or green lentils are ideal for this soup as they hold their shape well. Red lentils tend to become mushy.
- No Pre-Soaking Needed: Lentils cook quickly and don’t require soaking.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American