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Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe for Perfect Hearty Comfort

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A warm, hearty, and comforting lentil soup packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and bold flavors, perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed (green or brown)
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken stock for non-vegetarian option)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the spices become fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir well to coat them in the spice mixture.
  5. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils aren’t sticking to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender but not mushy.
  7. Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using lemon juice, stir it in now for a fresh, zesty kick.
  8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Choose green or brown lentils for a hearty texture; avoid red lentils as they tend to break down into a puree.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, especially with salt and spices.’, ‘Lentil soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.’, ‘If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.’, ‘For a creamier consistency, use a handheld immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup, healthy dinner, comfort food, easy soup recipe

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