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Comforting Lentil Soup


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 generous servings 1x

Description

A hearty and nutritious lentil soup packed with vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces for even cooking
  2. Heat and sauté base: Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes
  4. Toast spices: Add cumin and smoked paprika; mix well to coat vegetables and release fragrance
  5. Add main ingredients: Incorporate lentils and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to combine
  6. Add liquid and simmer: Pour in vegetable broth to cover ingredients; bring to a boil, then reduce heat
  7. Cook until tender: Cover pot and simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender
  8. Finish with greens: If using greens, stir in spinach or kale just before serving until wilted

Notes

  • Rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and reduce cooking foam
  • Don’t add salt until the end of cooking as it can toughen lentil skins during the cooking process
  • For richer flavor, add a parmesan rind during simmering and remove before serving
  • For a thicker consistency, mash some lentils against the pot side with your spoon
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 285 calories
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 18g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Comforting Lentil Soup, lentil soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food