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I’m excited to share my favorite lentil soup recipe with you! It’s a great choice for busy nights. It’s full of protein and fiber, making it a top pick for vegetarians. Plus, it’s super easy to make, giving you a warm, tasty bowl of soup fast.
This soup is so versatile. You can use different types of lentils or add your favorite veggies. It’s also easy on the wallet and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or just starting, you’ll love this lentil soup!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This lentil soup recipe is my favorite for a tasty vegetarian meal. It’s more than just a healthy soup. It’s a top choice for simple lentil dishes.
The taste is amazing. Spices and veggies mix to make your mouth happy. It’s like comfort food but better.
This soup is also super healthy. It’s full of protein and fiber. Plus, each serving has only 116 calories. It’s great for those watching their diet.
Making it is easy. You need mostly things you already have at home. It’s perfect for quick dinners or planning meals ahead.
- Versatility: This soup adapts to your preferences. Add extra veggies or switch up the spices.
- Texture: Partially blending creates a creamy base while leaving some whole lentils for bite.
A secret ingredient makes it special: lemon. A little lemon juice makes the soup unforgettable. Once you try it, you’ll make it often.
This lentil soup is like a warm hug for your soul – nourishing, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making lentil soup, and I’ve perfected my recipe over time. Here’s my go-to list of lentil soup ingredients:
- 2 cups dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1.5 liters vegetable stock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 400g crushed tomato
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the spices for lentil soup, I use:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Paprika
- Curry powder
- 2 dried bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
I finish my soup with the zest and juice of one lemon for a bright flavor. If you’re out of dried lentils, canned lentils work in a pinch. Just adjust the liquid ratio. Red lentils can substitute green or brown, but they cook faster.
Don’t have vegetable stock? Chicken stock is a tasty alternative. Feel free to experiment with different spices for lentil soup to create your unique flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or pantry availability.
Instructions
Let’s make lentil soup. I start by sautéing onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 8 minutes. This makes a tasty base for the soup.
Then, I add lentils, tomatoes, stock, and spices. I let it simmer gently.
Next, I cook it for 35-40 minutes. This makes the lentils tender and full of flavor. After, I remove the bay leaves and blend some of the soup for creaminess.
To finish, I add salt, pepper, lemon zest, and juice. These make the flavors bright and balance the lentils’ earthiness. I garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm bread.
If you’re wondering how to make lentil soup in different appliances, I’ve got you covered:
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the vegetables, then pressure cook for 8 minutes.
- Crock-Pot: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
These methods let you choose how to make lentil soup, based on your schedule and preferences. No matter how you do it, you’ll get a comforting bowl of soup!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Lentil soup is easy to make and store. You don’t need to soak the lentils first. Just put them in the pot! Blending some of the soup makes it creamy without dairy.
Storing lentil soup is easy. It stays good in the fridge for 5 days. I make a big batch for meal prep. The flavors get better after a day.
Freezing lentil soup is good for keeping it for a long time. It can be frozen for 3 months. I put it in containers for easy meals later. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up.
Adding fresh lemon juice before serving makes the soup taste great. This adds a fresh touch. With these tips, you’ll always have delicious lentil soup.