Hearty Lentil Soup

Enjoy the comforting goodness of our Hearty Lentil Soup. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this wholesome soup is perfect for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Lentils and Spices:
   • Stir in the lentils, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Mix well to coat the lentils in the spices.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a wedge of lemon for a bright, zesty flavor.

Tips:

• Use red lentils for a quicker cooking time, or green lentils for a firmer texture.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve with crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make this soup in advance? A: Yes! Lentil soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze lentil soup? A: Absolutely! Freeze cooled soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove.

Q: How can I make this soup vegan? A: This recipe is already vegan, but ensure that your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.