Looking for a comforting bowl of lentil soup that warms both your heart and your stomach? This Mediterranean lentil soup is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for any day of the week. With its rich blend of spices and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy.
This soup is not just filling; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a side dish. Plus, it comes together in under an hour, so you can whip it up even on your busiest days.
Nutritious and Flavorful Lentil Soup
This lentil soup is a robust blend of green or brown lentils, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs simmered in a savory broth. It’s thick and hearty, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Lentils and Spices: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup, leaving some lentils intact for texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g