Why Make This Recipe
Hearty Lentil Soup is a nutritious and filling meal perfect for any time of year. It is easy to make, affordable, and packed with flavor. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber, making this soup a healthy choice. Perfect for a cozy dinner or for meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that fits many different lifestyles.
How to Make Hearty Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, and thyme, and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup
Serve your Hearty Lentil Soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Hearty Lentil Soup
To store Hearty Lentil Soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Hearty Lentil Soup
- Rinse lentils before adding them to the pot to remove any debris.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more spices if you like it spicier.
- If you want a creamier texture, blend part of the soup and mix it back in.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for more nutrients and flavors. Feel free to substitute spices or ingredients based on what you have at home.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?
Yes, you can use green or brown lentils. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this Hearty Lentil Soup is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the ingredients in a slow cooker. Just sauté the vegetables first, then add them to the slow cooker with the lentils and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Hearty Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A nutritious and filling lentil soup that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, and thyme, and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Rinse lentils before adding them to the pot. Adjust the seasoning to taste and feel free to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, meal prep