Description
A quick, nutritious, and comforting Lentil Soup recipe perfect for busy days. Combining hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and warming spices, this soup delivers protein, fiber, and rich flavors in under 30 minutes. Ideal as a wholesome, plant-based meal that soothes the soul and fuels your body.
Ingredients
Scale
Legumes
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
Spices and Oils
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Finishing Touches
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove dust and debris. Finely chop onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about five minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, allowing them to toast slightly and release their aroma. Then add the crushed tomatoes and mix thoroughly.
- Combine Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Final Touches and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to brighten the flavors. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes such as a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- Choose brown or green lentils to maintain a hearty texture and avoid mushiness.
- Rinsing lentils improves texture and removes impurities.
- Simmer gently to preserve soup texture and balance flavors.
- Add more broth to thin the soup or simmer longer to thicken.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and enhance earthy lentil flavors.
- Make in large batches for convenient leftovers that taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg