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Classic Lentil Soup Flavorful and Nourishing Delight

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- 1 cup 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, undrained - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 bay leaf - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) When I make lentil soup, I focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Start with green or brown lentils. These lentils hold their shape well and add a nice texture. Rinse them well to remove any dust or debris. Next, choose a firm onion. It should feel heavy for its size. Dice this onion finely. The onion adds a sweet base to the soup. Garlic is key too. Mince two cloves to bring out a rich flavor. Carrots and celery add color and crunch. Pick vibrant carrots and fresh celery. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. I use one can of diced tomatoes. The juices from the tomatoes enhance the soup's flavor. You can choose low-sodium tomatoes if you want to control the salt. For broth, I recommend using vegetable broth. It adds depth without overpowering the lentils. You can even make your own broth for a richer taste. Spices like ground cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth. They give the soup a lovely aroma. A bay leaf adds a subtle layer of flavor. Always use good quality olive oil for sautéing. It adds richness to the soup. Finally, don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. For garnish, fresh parsley adds a bright touch. It makes the soup look more appealing. Enjoy crafting your soup with these fresh ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make classic lentil soup, you start with some basic steps. First, heat olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté it until it is soft and clear, about 5 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Next, stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a bit. After this, add rinsed lentils and a can of diced tomatoes, juice included. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil. Once it is boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the lentils to be tender but not mushy. Stir the soup now and then. Once cooked, add salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of it. For the best texture, always sauté the vegetables first. This step adds depth to the flavor. When simmering, keep an eye on the time. If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a few minutes longer, or blend a bit more. The key is to adjust the cooking time to your liking. Always taste the soup before serving. You can add more spices or salt to match your taste. To make your lentil soup even tastier, try adding spices. Ground cumin and smoked paprika are perfect choices. They bring warmth and depth to the soup. You can also add a touch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs, like thyme or bay leaves, add a lovely aroma. Adjusting seasoning is key to your taste. Start with salt and pepper. Taste the soup as it cooks. You might want more spice or salt. Always add a little at a time. This way, you can avoid over-seasoning. To make your soup lighter, use less olive oil. You can replace it with broth to sauté the vegetables. This cuts down on fat without losing flavor. Adding extra vegetables boosts nutrition. Try adding chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also mix in zucchini or bell peppers. These veggies add color and vitamins. They make the soup even more filling and delicious. Pro Tips Soak Lentils for Extra Tenderness: Soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking can help them cook faster and become even more tender. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to your soup. Flavor Boost with Herbs: Consider adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano along with the spices for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lentils beautifully. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or for a thinner soup, add more broth or water as needed during simmering. Storage Tips: This lentil soup stores well in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can switch up your lentils for different flavors. Try red or black lentils. They cook faster and add a nice color. You can also use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth. This will change the taste a bit. For a vegan soup, just stick with vegetable broth. If you're gluten-free, check labels on your broth. Some have gluten. Most lentils are gluten-free, so you’re safe there. If you want to add creaminess, try coconut milk. It adds a sweet touch and stays vegan. Want to make your soup heartier? Add some cooked quinoa or barley. They add texture and make the dish filling. If you like protein, toss in shredded chicken or cooked sausage. You can also add beans for more protein. For garnishes, think beyond parsley. You can use fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a dash of hot sauce can really spice things up. Each of these options adds new flavors to your classic lentil soup. To store your classic lentil soup, cool it down first. Use airtight containers for best results. It keeps well in the fridge for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been stored. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, take out only what you need. This keeps the rest fresh. Reheating lentil soup is easy. You can do it on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the soup from sticking to the pot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Check if it’s hot enough. If not, heat it a bit more. If you find you have extra soup, try adding it to a grain dish or pasta. You can also mix it into a veggie stir-fry for a quick meal. Classic lentil soup lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Yes, you can make lentil soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method lets the flavors blend well. You can serve lentil soup with crusty bread or a side salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a nice touch. These options make the meal hearty and filling. This article covered how to make a flavorful lentil soup. We discussed key ingredients, cooking methods, and the best tips for flavor. You learned how to select quality lentils and veggies. We also explored ways to adjust the soup to fit your tastes and health goals. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy leftovers later. Remember, lentil soup is versatile, so feel free to switch ingredients and add your favorite spices. Enjoy making this warm, tasty dish that is good for you and your family.

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Classic Lentil Soup! This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for any meal. I’ll guide you through easy steps, from selecting the best ingredients to serving tips. With options for creative add-ons and healthier swaps, you'll personalize this soup to meet your taste. Let’s dive into what makes this lentil soup a warm, nourishing delight!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting and Hearty: This lentil soup is the perfect comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
  2. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from lentils and fresh vegetables, this soup is a healthy option for any meal.
  3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
  4. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this soup by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

  1. 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  2. 1 medium onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 2 medium carrots, diced
  5. 2 celery stalks, diced
  6. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  7. 6 cups vegetable broth
  8. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  9. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  10. 1 bay leaf
  11. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  12. Salt and black pepper to taste
  13. Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

When I make lentil soup, I focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Start with green or brown lentils. These lentils hold their shape well and add a nice texture. Rinse them well to remove any dust or debris.

Next, choose a firm onion. It should feel heavy for its size. Dice this onion finely. The onion adds a sweet base to the soup. Garlic is key too. Mince two cloves to bring out a rich flavor.

Carrots and celery add color and crunch. Pick vibrant carrots and fresh celery. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly.

I use one can of diced tomatoes. The juices from the tomatoes enhance the soup's flavor. You can choose low-sodium tomatoes if you want to control the salt.

For broth, I recommend using vegetable broth. It adds depth without overpowering the lentils. You can even make your own broth for a richer taste.

Spices like ground cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth. They give the soup a lovely aroma. A bay leaf adds a subtle layer of flavor.

Always use good quality olive oil for sautéing. It adds richness to the soup. Finally, don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste.

For garnish, fresh parsley adds a bright touch. It makes the soup look more appealing. Enjoy crafting your soup with these fresh ingredients!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Method Overview

To make classic lentil soup, you start with some basic steps. First, heat olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté it until it is soft and clear, about 5 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Next, stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a bit.

After this, add rinsed lentils and a can of diced tomatoes, juice included. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil. Once it is boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the lentils to be tender but not mushy. Stir the soup now and then. Once cooked, add salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of it.

Cooking Tips

For the best texture, always sauté the vegetables first. This step adds depth to the flavor. When simmering, keep an eye on the time. If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a few minutes longer, or blend a bit more. The key is to adjust the cooking time to your liking. Always taste the soup before serving. You can add more spices or salt to match your taste.

Tips & Tricks

Flavor Enhancements

To make your lentil soup even tastier, try adding spices. Ground cumin and smoked paprika are perfect choices. They bring warmth and depth to the soup. You can also add a touch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs, like thyme or bay leaves, add a lovely aroma.

Adjusting seasoning is key to your taste. Start with salt and pepper. Taste the soup as it cooks. You might want more spice or salt. Always add a little at a time. This way, you can avoid over-seasoning.

Healthier Alternatives

To make your soup lighter, use less olive oil. You can replace it with broth to sauté the vegetables. This cuts down on fat without losing flavor.

Adding extra vegetables boosts nutrition. Try adding chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also mix in zucchini or bell peppers. These veggies add color and vitamins. They make the soup even more filling and delicious.

Pro Tips

  1. Soak Lentils for Extra Tenderness: Soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking can help them cook faster and become even more tender. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to your soup.
  2. Flavor Boost with Herbs: Consider adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano along with the spices for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lentils beautifully.
  3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or for a thinner soup, add more broth or water as needed during simmering.
  4. Storage Tips: This lentil soup stores well in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up your lentils for different flavors. Try red or black lentils. They cook faster and add a nice color. You can also use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth. This will change the taste a bit. For a vegan soup, just stick with vegetable broth.

If you're gluten-free, check labels on your broth. Some have gluten. Most lentils are gluten-free, so you’re safe there. If you want to add creaminess, try coconut milk. It adds a sweet touch and stays vegan.

Creative Add-Ons

Want to make your soup heartier? Add some cooked quinoa or barley. They add texture and make the dish filling. If you like protein, toss in shredded chicken or cooked sausage. You can also add beans for more protein.

For garnishes, think beyond parsley. You can use fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a dash of hot sauce can really spice things up. Each of these options adds new flavors to your classic lentil soup.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your classic lentil soup, cool it down first. Use airtight containers for best results. It keeps well in the fridge for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been stored.

When you want to enjoy your leftovers, take out only what you need. This keeps the rest fresh.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating lentil soup is easy. You can do it on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the soup from sticking to the pot.

In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Check if it’s hot enough. If not, heat it a bit more.

If you find you have extra soup, try adding it to a grain dish or pasta. You can also mix it into a veggie stir-fry for a quick meal.

FAQs

How long does classic lentil soup last in the fridge?

Classic lentil soup lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container.

Can I make lentil soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make lentil soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method lets the flavors blend well.

What can I serve with lentil soup for a complete meal?

You can serve lentil soup with crusty bread or a side salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a nice touch. These options make the meal hearty and filling.

This article covered how to make a flavorful lentil soup. We discussed key ingredients, cooking methods, and the best tips for flavor. You learned how to select quality lentils and veggies. We also explored ways to adjust the soup to fit your tastes and health goals. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy leftovers later. Remember, lentil soup is versatile, so feel free to switch ingredients and add your favorite spices. Enjoy making this warm, tasty dish that is good for you and your famil

- 1 cup 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, undrained - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 bay leaf - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) When I make lentil soup, I focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Start with green or brown lentils. These lentils hold their shape well and add a nice texture. Rinse them well to remove any dust or debris. Next, choose a firm onion. It should feel heavy for its size. Dice this onion finely. The onion adds a sweet base to the soup. Garlic is key too. Mince two cloves to bring out a rich flavor. Carrots and celery add color and crunch. Pick vibrant carrots and fresh celery. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. I use one can of diced tomatoes. The juices from the tomatoes enhance the soup's flavor. You can choose low-sodium tomatoes if you want to control the salt. For broth, I recommend using vegetable broth. It adds depth without overpowering the lentils. You can even make your own broth for a richer taste. Spices like ground cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth. They give the soup a lovely aroma. A bay leaf adds a subtle layer of flavor. Always use good quality olive oil for sautéing. It adds richness to the soup. Finally, don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. For garnish, fresh parsley adds a bright touch. It makes the soup look more appealing. Enjoy crafting your soup with these fresh ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make classic lentil soup, you start with some basic steps. First, heat olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté it until it is soft and clear, about 5 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Next, stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a bit. After this, add rinsed lentils and a can of diced tomatoes, juice included. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil. Once it is boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the lentils to be tender but not mushy. Stir the soup now and then. Once cooked, add salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of it. For the best texture, always sauté the vegetables first. This step adds depth to the flavor. When simmering, keep an eye on the time. If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a few minutes longer, or blend a bit more. The key is to adjust the cooking time to your liking. Always taste the soup before serving. You can add more spices or salt to match your taste. To make your lentil soup even tastier, try adding spices. Ground cumin and smoked paprika are perfect choices. They bring warmth and depth to the soup. You can also add a touch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs, like thyme or bay leaves, add a lovely aroma. Adjusting seasoning is key to your taste. Start with salt and pepper. Taste the soup as it cooks. You might want more spice or salt. Always add a little at a time. This way, you can avoid over-seasoning. To make your soup lighter, use less olive oil. You can replace it with broth to sauté the vegetables. This cuts down on fat without losing flavor. Adding extra vegetables boosts nutrition. Try adding chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also mix in zucchini or bell peppers. These veggies add color and vitamins. They make the soup even more filling and delicious. Pro Tips Soak Lentils for Extra Tenderness: Soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking can help them cook faster and become even more tender. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to your soup. Flavor Boost with Herbs: Consider adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano along with the spices for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lentils beautifully. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or for a thinner soup, add more broth or water as needed during simmering. Storage Tips: This lentil soup stores well in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can switch up your lentils for different flavors. Try red or black lentils. They cook faster and add a nice color. You can also use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth. This will change the taste a bit. For a vegan soup, just stick with vegetable broth. If you're gluten-free, check labels on your broth. Some have gluten. Most lentils are gluten-free, so you’re safe there. If you want to add creaminess, try coconut milk. It adds a sweet touch and stays vegan. Want to make your soup heartier? Add some cooked quinoa or barley. They add texture and make the dish filling. If you like protein, toss in shredded chicken or cooked sausage. You can also add beans for more protein. For garnishes, think beyond parsley. You can use fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a dash of hot sauce can really spice things up. Each of these options adds new flavors to your classic lentil soup. To store your classic lentil soup, cool it down first. Use airtight containers for best results. It keeps well in the fridge for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been stored. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, take out only what you need. This keeps the rest fresh. Reheating lentil soup is easy. You can do it on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the soup from sticking to the pot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Check if it’s hot enough. If not, heat it a bit more. If you find you have extra soup, try adding it to a grain dish or pasta. You can also mix it into a veggie stir-fry for a quick meal. Classic lentil soup lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Yes, you can make lentil soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method lets the flavors blend well. You can serve lentil soup with crusty bread or a side salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a nice touch. These options make the meal hearty and filling. This article covered how to make a flavorful lentil soup. We discussed key ingredients, cooking methods, and the best tips for flavor. You learned how to select quality lentils and veggies. We also explored ways to adjust the soup to fit your tastes and health goals. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy leftovers later. Remember, lentil soup is versatile, so feel free to switch ingredients and add your favorite spices. Enjoy making this warm, tasty dish that is good for you and your family.

Hearty Classic Lentil Soup

A comforting and nutritious lentil soup packed with vegetables and flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  • Stir occasionally, and add salt and black pepper to taste once the lentils are cooked through. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, then mix well.

Notes

Serve hot with crusty bread and garnish with parsley for added flavor.
Keyword healthy, lentils, soup, vegetarian

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