RecipeCastle

Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe

Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep
10 min
Cook
35 min
Serves
8

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

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    Combine the Ingredients: Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, all-spice, and ginger. Stir well to combine everything.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    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.