This warm lentil soup is packed with healthy goodness! With lentils, veggies, and spices simmered together, it’s both tasty and filling.
I love how easy it is to whip up a big pot. It warms my soul and my kitchen! Plus, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week. 🥄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: I like using brown or green lentils for this soup. They hold their shape well and create a nice texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use red lentils, but they cook faster and can become mushy.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery form a great flavor base. You can swap in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer. Make sure to cut them into small pieces for even cooking.
Spices: Ground cumin and turmeric add warmth to the soup. If you don’t have these, a curry powder blend can work too. Smoked paprika is optional, but it gives a nice depth of flavor; feel free to skip it if you don’t have it.
Broth: Vegetable broth is best for a vegetarian soup, but chicken broth can be used for extra richness. You can also use water if you’re out of broth.
How Do You Ensure Your Lentils Don’t Get Mushy?
To keep lentils perfectly tender, it’s important not to overcook them. Here are some tips:
- Rinse lentils before cooking to remove debris and dirt.
- Simmer gently on low heat after bringing to a boil. This helps control cooking.
- Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You want them soft but still holding their shape!
- If they start to look too soft, take them off the heat immediately.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious lentil soup with a great texture every time!
How to Make Hearty Lentil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lentil soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook, making a total time of about 50 minutes. The prep is quick and easy, and the cooking time allows all those lovely flavors to develop beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This step builds a great flavor base for the soup!
2. Add the Aromatics:
Once the vegetables are nice and soft, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until everything is fragrant and well combined.
3. Mix in the Lentils and Liquids:
Time to add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth (or water), and the bay leaf to the pot. Give it all a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. If you like your soup a little thinner, you can add more broth or water during this time.
5. Season and Serve:
When the lentils are tender and ready, remove the bay leaf. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. To really brighten the flavors, stir in the fresh lemon juice. It’ll make the soup taste fresh and delicious!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Ladle the lentil soup into bowls and top with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch. Serve your warm soup with some crusty bread or crackers, and enjoy every spoonful!
This hearty lentil soup is not only nutritious but also comforting, and it’s perfect for any season! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils?
Yes! While brown and green lentils work best for this soup, you can use red lentils if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that red lentils cook faster and can become mushy, so reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes.
How Can I Store Leftover Lentil Soup?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the sautéing step or halfway through the cooking time, depending on their cooking needs.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, try including red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the base vegetables. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference!
