This Lentil Soup is hearty, nutritious, and easy to make. Packed with fiber and protein, this soup is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed 🫘
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
- 1 onion, diced 🧅
- 2 carrots, diced 🥕
- 2 celery stalks, diced 🥬
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon cumin 🌿
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 4 cups vegetable broth 🍲
- 1 bay leaf 🍃
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the oil:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Add garlic and spices:
- Add the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Lentils and Broth:
- Combine lentils and tomatoes:
- Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
3. Season and Serve:
- Season:
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Lentil Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
🍽️ Tips:
- Add more veggies: You can add spinach, kale, or potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Blending option: For a creamier texture, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-6 servings
This Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days and easy to prepare ahead of time! 🍲🌿