This lentil soup is warm, hearty, and just perfect for a cozy day. Full of healthy lentils, veggies, and tasty spices, it’s a simple meal that fills you up!
I love making this on chilly days! Just chop, simmer, and enjoy the inviting aroma. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, if you can resist eating it all at once! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: I often use green lentils, but brown lentils work just as well. If you need a quick option, canned lentils are a good substitute, but reduce the cooking time since they’re already cooked!
Vegetable Broth: Using vegetable broth adds great flavor, but you can substitute with water if you’re in a pinch. For more taste, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or miso paste.
Onions: Yellow onions are my go-to, but you can use red or shallots if that’s what you have. Each adds a unique flavor to the soup.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that rich taste, but garlic powder can work too—just use about 1/4 teaspoon as a substitute.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth to this soup. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, but you might miss that smoky flavor.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Soup?
Building flavor is crucial in soup making. Start by sautéing your onions until they’re soft, as this adds depth right from the start. After that, it’s important to cook your spices just long enough to release their oils—this takes about two minutes.
- Heat your oil and onions first until they’re soft.
- Add garlic and spices, cooking until fragrant to enhance those flavors.
- Simmer your lentils with the broth long enough for them to absorb all the tasty goodness.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings before serving! Fresh lemon juice goes a long way in brightening up the soup too.
Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon wedge (for serving)
Time Needed:
This lentil soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to cook, totaling around 45 minutes. Perfect for a nutritious meal without spending all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and sauté until it’s softened and slightly translucent, which takes about 4-5 minutes. The aroma will start bringing some warmth to your kitchen!
2. Add the Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is fragrant. This step helps release those amazing flavors!
3. Combine the Lentils:
Now, add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth and bay leaf. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer to Perfection:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir occasionally. The lentils and carrots should be tender and the broth will become thick and hearty.
5. Final Touches:
After cooking, remove the bay leaf and add salt and black pepper to taste. This is your chance to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the comforting soup into bowls. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for color and flavor, and serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over the soup. A slice of toasted bread goes perfectly with this!)
Enjoy your warm and delicious lentil soup! It’s not just nourishing; it’s also bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Canned Lentils Instead of Dried Lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils! Drain and rinse them first. Just add them to the soup towards the end of cooking, simmering for about 10-15 minutes to heat through.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! This lentil soup is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just make sure all your ingredients, including seasonings, are plant-based!
What Should I Do if the Soup Is Too Thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and heat through as needed.
How Can I Store Leftover Lentil Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
