Description
Warm up with our delicious lentil soup recipe packed with fiber and nutrients. Learn about the health benefits, interesting facts, ingredient substitutions, and serving suggestions. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups dry lentils
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add the bay leaf, lentils, and broth, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Properly rinse the lentils: Lentils can sometimes be gritty or have small stones or debris mixed in, so it’s important to rinse them thoroughly before using them in your soup.
- Don’t overcook the lentils: Lentils can quickly turn mushy if overcooked, so keep an eye on them and test them for doneness periodically. Generally, they should be cooked until tender but still hold their shape.
- Use enough liquid: Lentils will absorb a lot of liquid as they cook, so be sure to add enough liquid to your soup to keep it from becoming too thick.
- Be mindful of seasoning: Lentils have a mild flavor, so it’s important to season them well to bring out their best taste. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the flavor profile that you like best.
- Don’t add acidic ingredients too early: If you plan to add acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice to your soup, wait until the lentils are almost fully cooked. Adding them too early can prevent the lentils from softening properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes