Description
This Best Lentil Soup recipe is the perfect comforting dish for any occasion. Packed with hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this lentil soup will warm you from the inside out. It’s easily customizable with various lentil varieties and seasonings, making it ideal for all taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale, chopp
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in the green lentils and vegetable broth, followed by the bay leaf and thyme. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Optional Add-ins: If desired, stir in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out the green lentils with red lentils for a creamier texture or with brown lentils for a heartier bite.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This soup freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with additional broth as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetopn
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Easter
Keywords: best lentil soup, hearty lentil soup, easy lentil soup recipe, vegan lentil soup, comforting soup, lentil soup with vegetables, Mediterranean lentil soup, homemade lentil soup, simple lentil soup