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Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup
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Lentil Soup is a hearty and wholesome comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with simple pantry staples like lentils, vegetables, and warming spices, it offers a nutritious meal rich in protein and fiber. This easy-to-make soup delivers versatile flavors ranging from mild and creamy to spicy and smoky, making it a cozy and satisfying option for any cook.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils (red, green, or brown)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and seasoning)

Optional Add-ins and Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/2 cup chopped smoked sausage (for smoky flavor)
  • Coconut milk or cream (for a creamy twist)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Chop onions, carrots, and celery evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook while stirring frequently until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add Spices and Lentils: Stir in cumin and thyme (or your preferred spices). Add the lentils and toast them slightly with the aromatics for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the broth and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until lentils are tender, approximately 25–30 minutes depending on lentil type.
  5. Final Touches and Seasoning: Remove bay leaves, season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. For a creamier soup, gently puree a portion or stir in coconut milk or cream before serving.

Notes

  • Choose red lentils for a creamy texture; green or brown lentils hold their shape better.
  • Always sauté vegetables first to enhance depth and richness of flavor.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding extra broth or simmering uncovered for thicker texture.
  • Season gradually and taste near the end to balance flavors well.
  • Use fresh herbs at the end to brighten the soup flavor.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently and add broth if soup thickens too much.
  • Slow cooker option: cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adjusting liquid as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, healthy soup, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, easy soup, comfort food, protein rich, fiber rich

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