A steaming bowl of hearty lentil soup garnished with fresh herbs, served with a slice of bread.
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Lentil Soup Recipe

Lentil Soup Recipe is one of those foods that occupy real estate in the center of the kitchen in many homes across the world. Lentil soup is both healthful and delicious, full of protein, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. For those frigid winter days, or for just a light, filling meal any time of year, lentil soup has got your back. So here’s the lowdown on making the finest lentil soup at home.

A bowl of flavorful lentil soup with vegetables and herbs, served with a side of crusty bread.

Why Lentil Soup?

Two things in lentils that make them such a powerhouse? They are also high in protein, making them a great source for vegetarians and vegans. Not to mention they are low-calorie and low-fat, and they pack a punch with iron, potassium and folate. If this Lentil Soup recipe is papered with a few aromatics and some warming spices, it is also a meal that is complete to the taste, nourishing.

A bowl of hearty lentil soup, garnished with fresh herbs, placed on a rustic table with a spoon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green, brown, or red)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, add for health benefits)
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving; optional)

How to Cook the best Lentil Soup Recipe

Use the Right Type of Lentils:

You can’t really go wrong with lentils, but green and brown lentils hold their shape really well, so they’re a great option if you’re going for something chunky. Red lentils will fall apart and be creamy.

Up the Flavor:

Drizzle balsamic vinegar or plop plain yogurt on top before serving, for added flavor.

Make It a Meal:

Serve the soup with crusty bread or a salad for a meal with invigorating zest.

Storage and Leftovers:

Lentil soup lasts in the fridge for 5 days, and in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in the pot, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.

Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 20 Mins > Cook Time: 30 Mins > Total Time: 50 Mins

A bowl of the best lentil soup recipe, filled with tender lentils, vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green, brown, or red)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, add for health benefits)
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving; optional)

Instructions:

Rinse the lentils and set them aside

Add the olive oil to the bottom of a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, the carrot and the celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5–7 minutes.

Incorporate minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika and turmeric. Get fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, bay leaf and broth. Stir well.

Bring to a boil, then turn down heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the lentils are cooked through. You can stir semi regularly so that it does not stick.

Remove the bay leaf using tongs, and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, and top with fresh parsley or cilantro, along with lemon wedges for a jolt of brightness.

Conclusion

The Lentil Soup Recipe is fairly straightforward, but super flavorful, nutritious, comforting so good eats all around. There are endless variations; Lentil Soup recipe you can serve at any time of the year. Lentil Soup recipe, and you’ll see why lentil soup has endured as a beloved culinary stalwart.

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