Hearty Healthy Lentil Soup the Ultimate Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? Ever crave something warm and satisfying? This best lentil soup recipe is just what you need.

It is a hearty, flavourful bowl that will warm you from the inside out.

Brief Overview

This lentil soup is inspired by classic French and Indian flavors. It is easy to make, taking about an hour from start to finish.

This soup recipe yields 6 servings. It is perfect for a comforting meal.

Main Benefits

This healthy soup recipe is packed with nutrients and fibre. The high fiber content is great for digestion. It is a fantastic meal for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or any time you crave comfort food recipes .

What makes this recipe special? It is the depth of flavour, and how easy it is to make.

Why You'll Love This Lentil Soup

This one-pot lentil soup is a game changer. Honestly, it is one of my go-to recipes. I always have lentils in my pantry.

This recipe is really simple. Even if you are not a pro in the kitchen you will feel like Gordon Ramsay.

This easy soup recipe is also a great way to use up veggies.

Hearty Ingredients for a Hearty Soup

Let's talk about what goes into this magic pot. We start with olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Next, we add garlic, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.

Then, it is the lentil soup time, with brown or green lentils. We throw in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a bay leaf.

Salt and pepper, of course, to your taste! For the final touch, red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and Greek yogurt.

step-by-step to the Best Lentil Soup Recipe

First, sauté your aromatics. That means onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Add garlic and spices. You want to let those flavours bloom.

Now, add the lentils, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for around 30- 40 minutes. The lentils should be tender. Finally, add your vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.

Taste and adjust. Then serve.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this best lentil soup recipe . This easy soup recipe is super forgiving.

Don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. Honestly, even if you mess up a bit, it'll still taste amazing.

Ingredients & Equipment

This healthy soup recipe is easier than you think. You probably have most of this stuff already. Let's get into it!

Main Ingredients

Okay, here’s the breakdown for our one-pot lentil soup .

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• Carrots: 2 medium , diced (about 1 cup) Quality indicator: Firm and bright orange.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup)
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced Quality indicator: Should smell pungent
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a kick)
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Brown or Green Lentils: 1 cup , rinsed (200g)
• Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) Quality indicator: Look for low-sodium options.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (400g)
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Red Wine Vinegar, or Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon

Quality is important. Especially for the carrots. Good carrots make good soup. Trust me!

Seasoning Notes

Seasoning is key for this vegetarian lentil soup ! It can make or break a dish. The thyme, smoked paprika, and cumin combo is magic.

A little red pepper flakes give it a lovely warmth.

For flavor enhancers, consider a dash of Worcestershire sauce (if not vegan, of course). If you don’t have thyme, oregano or marjoram works well. Experiment and see what you like.

Equipment Needed

For this soup recipe , you really only need a few essentials. A big pot is a must. You can use a Dutch oven if you have one, though.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle

Don't have a fancy chef's knife? No worries! A regular kitchen knife will do just fine.

My grandma always said, "The best meals are made with love, not fancy gadgets." So true!

Alright, let's dive into the best lentil soup recipe . This healthy soup recipe is all about easy soup recipe . Honestly, it’s like a warm hug.

Perfect comfort food recipes for those winter soup recipes .

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

First, the mise en place . Chop your 1 large yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Get your 1 cup of brown or green lentils rinsed. This prep makes cooking so much smoother, trust me!

Time saving tip: Chop all your veggies at once. Then store them in a container until you're ready. This saved me many times after work, you know? It's also important to remember you safety.

Be mindful of your fingers when you are using sharp knives.

step-by-step: Soup's On!

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for 5- 7 minutes .
2. Add garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Oh my gosh, the aroma!
3. Stir in the lentils, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1 bay leaf . Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30- 40 minutes . The lentils should be tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar . Taste and adjust seasoning.

Pro Tips for Lentil Soup Perfection

Don't overcook the lentils! Keep an eye on them. I once made lentil soup that was basically lentil mush. I learned my lesson!

For an extra flavour boost, use high-quality vegetable broth . It makes a huge difference. Using high-quality broth also minimises the need to add extra salt.

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian lentil soup or even a vegan lentil soup , just make sure the broth is plant based.

Want to make it ahead? The one-pot lentil soup tastes even better the next day. So, make a big batch, and enjoy it all week.

This red lentil soup variation is quick and delicious!

And there you have it! A soup recipe that’s easy, healthy , and totally delicious. Enjoy this hearty bowl of goodness!

Recipe Notes for the Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Right then, let's talk about some bits and bobs to keep in mind when you’re knocking up this easy soup recipe .

Honestly, it’s pretty foolproof, but these pointers will help you nail it every single time. You know?

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Up Style

This lentil soup is proper comfort food recipes , so don't be afraid to serve it up rustic style. A big bowl, a swirl of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of parsley.

Boom! If you're feeling fancy, add a drizzle of olive oil. For sides, crusty bread is essential for dipping. A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely.

Fancy a drink? A light, crisp white wine works a treat.

Leftover Love: Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Ace! This healthy soup recipe is even better the next day.

Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll be good for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing: This one-pot lentil soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Microwave or gently reheat on the hob until piping hot.

Tweak It 'Til You Make It: Variations

Fancy a change? Here are a couple of ideas:

• Vegetarian Lentil Soup Upgrade: Keep it vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the yogurt garnish. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Swaps : In autumn, add roasted butternut squash for extra sweetness. In summer, a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs brighten it up.

Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff

This red lentil soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. At just around 250 calories per serving, it's a winner! Plus, it's super filling, so it’s great for those winter soup recipes when you want something hearty and healthy soup recipe .

I always say a bowl of lentil soup is like giving your body a big hug.

So, there you have it! My little guide to making the very best lentil soup recipe ever. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, luv!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this "best lentil soup recipe" for later?

Absolutely! Lentil soup freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

It's even better the next day, like a good Sunday roast!

I'm a vegetarian/vegan. Is this lentil soup recipe suitable?

You're in luck, mate! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and easily vegan. Just make sure you're using a vegetable broth that is actually vegetarian/vegan (some contain sneaky animal products like honey). Also, skip the Greek yogurt or crème fraîche garnish if you're following a vegan diet.

Simple as that!

What kind of lentils are best for this "best lentil soup recipe", and can I substitute them?

Brown or green lentils are ideal for this soup, as they hold their shape well and have a lovely, earthy flavour. However, you can certainly substitute. Red lentils will cook much faster and create a creamier, almost porridge like texture which some people love!

Black Beluga lentils are another good option, offering a more refined look and firmer texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!

My lentil soup tastes a bit bland. How can I add more flavour?

Don't fret, we've all been there! The key is layering flavours. First, make sure you're not skimping on the aromatics (onion, garlic, carrots, celery) and sauté them well. Don't be afraid to be liberal with the herbs and spices a little extra smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes can work wonders.

Finally, a squeeze of lemon juice or red wine vinegar at the end really brightens things up and balances the earthy flavours. Also, ensure you are using high-quality broth to avoid needing extra salt!

How do I prevent my lentil soup from becoming too thick?

Lentils can absorb a lot of liquid, so it's a common issue! If you find your soup is getting too thick, simply add more vegetable broth (or water, if you're in a pinch) until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually while the soup is simmering.

Remember, you can always add more liquid, but you can't easily take it away!

Can I make this "best lentil soup recipe" in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

You bet! For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the aromatics, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Both methods are great for a hands off approach!