The Best Lentil Soup Recipe | Nutritious and Flavorful

Discover the very best lentil soup recipe, packed with nutritious brown lentils and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup is easy to make and ideal for any season. Try it today!

Lentil soup is a soup based on lentils; it may be vegetarian or include meat, and may use brown, red, yellow, green, or black lentils, with or without the husk. Dehulled yellow and red lentils disintegrate in cooking, making a thick soup. It is a staple food throughout Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.


Lentil soup may include vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, celery, parsley, tomato, pumpkin, ripe plantain and onion. Common flavorings are garlic, bay leaf, cumin, olive oil, and vinegar. It is sometimes garnished with croutons or chopped herbs or butter, olive oil, cream or yogurt. Indian lentil soup contains a variety of aromatic spices. In the Middle East, the addition of lemon juice gives a pungent tang and cuts the heaviness of the dish.[3] In Egypt, the soup is commonly puréed before serving, and is traditionally consumed in the winter

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of lentils? Yes, but cooking times may vary.

2. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze lentil soup? Yes, freeze for up to 3 months.

4. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

5. Can I add meat to this soup? Yes, adding cooked sausage or ham can enhance the flavor.

6. How do I make the soup thicker? Simmer longer to reduce the liquid or blend more of the soup.

7. What can I serve with lentil soup? Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs.

9. Is lentil soup healthy? Yes, it's rich in protein, fiber, and various nutrients.

10. How do I prevent lentils from becoming mushy? Cook until just tender and avoid overcooking.

11. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

12. How do I adjust the seasoning? Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

13. Can I add rice or pasta to the soup? Yes, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

14. How do I make the soup spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

15. Can I use canned lentils? Yes, but reduce the cooking time since canned lentils are pre-cooked.

Make it

The Very Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Serving: 4-6 people

Introduction

This lentil soup is a flavorful, nutritious dish, ideal for a comforting meal. Made with brown lentils and a variety of aromatic vegetables and spices, it's perfect for any season.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 large carrot, diced

  • 1 celery stalk, diced

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 cups brown lentils, picked and rinsed

  • 1 cup peeled tomatoes

  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

Directions

  1. Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt. Cook until onions are translucent, about 6-7 minutes.

  2. Add Ingredients: Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Stir to combine.

  3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35-40 minutes.

  4. Blend and Serve: Blend the soup to your desired consistency. Serve immediately with a garnish of parsley.

Additional Notes

  • Variations: Add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra flavor.

  • Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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