Name: Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 3 teaspoons dry oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 dry bay leaves; 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned); 7 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained; Kosher salt (to taste); Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 2 lemons; Fresh parsley (for garnish); Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

The Ultimate Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup Recipe in Just 30 Minutes for a Healthy, Flavorful Meal

Red Lentil Soup is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that you can whip up in no time, then this Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup recipe is just what you need. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

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Not only is this soup perfect for lunch or dinner, but it also makes for a fabulous option for meal prep. With minimal effort, you can create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you want something comforting and tasty. Let’s dive into why you should make this soup and how to prepare it!

Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup. First off, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Red lentils are known for being high in protein and fiber, which helps you stay full longer. Coupled with veggies like carrots and onions, along with flavorful spices, this soup delivers not just comfort but also health benefits.

Another fantastic reason to make this soup is its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and the steps are easy to follow, making it a perfect recipe even for beginners. Plus, you can keep your kitchen clean and tidy with just one pot to manage! And if you’re a fan of meal prepping, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored, making your week just a bit easier.

How to Make Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup

Creating this delicious soup is simple and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how you do it:

Ingredients:

Extra virgin olive oil (I used Early Harvest)
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
3 tsp dry oregano
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 dry bay leaves
1 cup crushed tomatoes (from a can)
7 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
Kosher salt (to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
Fresh parsley for garnish
Crumbled feta cheese to serve (optional)

Directions:

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring regularly until they start to soften.
Add the spices (oregano, cumin, rosemary, red pepper flakes) and the bay leaves. Stir these for a few seconds until they become fragrant — just be careful not to burn them!
Now, add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and the rinsed red lentils to the pot. Season it all with kosher salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. If you have the time, let the soup cool for a few moments before using an immersion blender. Blend it a few times until you get the creamy consistency you desire.
Put the soup back on the heat, stirring to warm it through. Finally, add the zest and juice of the lemons along with some fresh parsley.
Serve the soup in bowls, drizzling a touch of extra virgin olive oil on top. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of your favorite crusty bread!

How to Serve Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup

When it’s time to serve, this soup is so versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with some crusty bread for a more filling meal. If you’re feeling fancy, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle more parsley or feta cheese on top right before serving for that extra touch.

How to Store Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup

Storing this soup is a breeze! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen. The soup can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Tips to Make Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup

Customize the Spice: If you want a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper. For a milder taste, skip them altogether.
Don’t Skimp on the Lemon: The lemon juice and zest really brighten the flavors, so don’t miss out on that step!
Blend to Your Taste: Depending on the texture you prefer, you can blend the soup completely for a silky finish, or leave it slightly chunky for more texture.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe! You can easily turn it into a creamy soup by adding a splash of coconut milk during blending. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey to the mix. If you prefer a more Mediterranean twist, you can add olives or sun-dried tomatoes as a topping.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes! While red lentils cook quickly and create a lovely creamy texture, you can use green or brown lentils. Just keep in mind that they will require a longer cooking time.

2. Is this soup vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it a wonderful option for vegans and vegetarians alike. Just skip the feta cheese if you want to keep it strictly vegan.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup keeps well and flavors tend to deepen after a day. Feel free to make it in advance for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Enjoy this heartwarming Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup, and let yourself be transported to the sunny Mediterranean with every delicious spoonful!