basic lentil soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic lentil soup recipe

I’ve been making lentil soup for years, and it’s always a staple in our household. This basic recipe is a great starting point for any home cook, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. I love how versatile lentils are – they’re packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

My family loves this soup, and I often make it for special occasions or when we’re feeling under the weather. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Lentil soup is a dish that’s been around for centuries, originating from the Mediterranean region. The key to making a great lentil soup is to use a combination of aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots to add depth of flavor. You can also customize the soup to your taste by adding spices or herbs like cumin, paprika, or thyme.

I like to serve mine with a swirl of olive oil and some crusty bread on the side. One of the most important things about cooking lentils is to soak them overnight before cooking. This helps to reduce cooking time and ensures that they’re fully tender.

I also like to use low-sodium broth to avoid adding extra salt to the dish. Overall, this basic lentil soup recipe is a great starting point for anyone looking to get started with cooking lentils. This recipe makes about 6 servings and can be easily doubled or tripled if you need more.

It’s also freezer-friendly, so feel free to make a batch and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Basic Lentil Soup

4.8 from 1184 votes

A comforting and nutritious soup made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty meal on a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
3Add garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4Stir in cumin, paprika, and bay leaf, then cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5Add lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth to the pot.
6Stir well to combine.
7Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
8Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9The lentils should be tender and the soup should have thickened slightly.
10Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
11Remove the bay leaf before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 20g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Basic Lentil Soup Works

This basic lentil soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner solution or want something hearty for a family gathering.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite spices or herbs.

If you’re looking for ways to store this soup long-term, I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Lentil Soup

Q: What type of lentils should I use?

I recommend using brown or green lentils for this recipe, as they hold their shape well and have a slightly firmer texture than red or yellow lentils.

Q: Can I use canned lentils?

While you can use canned lentils as a substitute, I highly recommend using dried lentils for better flavor and texture.

Q: How long do I need to soak the lentils?

You should soak the lentils overnight (at least 8 hours) before cooking them.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply cook the aromatics in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have any broth?

You can use water as a substitute if you don’t have any broth on hand. However, keep in mind that using broth will add more flavor to the dish.

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