Classic Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish loved by many. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of lentils, vegetables, and spices, making it a wholesome meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a warm dinner, this soup is an excellent choice.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making Classic Lentil Soup is a great way to enjoy a healthy and filling meal. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, which help keep you full and satisfied. Plus, the combination of fresh vegetables and spices adds depth to the flavor. This soup is also budget-friendly and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for meal prep.
How to make Classic Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3-4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and mix until evenly distributed. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spices: Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well and sauté for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Simmer: Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. If the soup gets too thick, add the additional cup of water as needed.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Classic Lentil Soup
A comforting and nutritious soup made with lentils, fresh vegetables, and spices, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3–4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and mix until evenly distributed. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well and sauté for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. If the soup gets too thick, add the additional cup of water as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. Feel free to add more vegetables or meats to customize the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve Classic Lentil Soup
Classic Lentil Soup is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread for a heartier meal. It’s also delicious with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cheese for added creaminess.
How to store Classic Lentil Soup
To store Classic Lentil Soup, let it cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label the containers with the date.
Tips to make Classic Lentil Soup
- Rinse the lentils well before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it an extra kick.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before serving.
Variations
You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or zucchini. For meat lovers, consider adding cooked sausage or diced ham for a meaty version.
Looking for another lentil recipe, try this Coconut Red Lentil Soup.
FAQs
1. Can I use red lentils instead of green? Yes, red lentils can be used, but they cook faster and will create a creamier texture.
2. Is this soup vegetarian? Yes, Classic Lentil Soup is vegetarian when made with vegetable broth.
3. How can I make it gluten-free? This recipe is already gluten-free, just ensure that your vegetable broth has no gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
Classic Lentil Soup is an easy and satisfying dish that brings comfort to any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip up a bowl of wholesome goodness in no time. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends and family, this soup is sure to please everyone.
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