Classic Lentil Soup is a warm and hearty dish that is loved by many. Packed with nutrients and flavors, it’s a perfect meal for any time of the year, especially when the weather gets chilly. This soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making Classic Lentil Soup is a great way to get in a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Lentils are an excellent source of nutrition and are cheap and easy to cook. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a filling lunch. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
How to make Classic Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3-4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the tomato paste to the vegetables and mix until evenly distributed. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spices: Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well and sauté for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Simmer: Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups (700 ml) of water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. If the soup gets too thick, add the additional cup of water as necessary.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Classic Lentil Soup
A warm and hearty lentil soup packed with nutrients and flavors, perfect for any time of the year.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3–4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the tomato paste to the vegetables and mix until evenly distributed. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well and sauté for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. If the soup gets too thick, add the additional cup of water as necessary.
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.
- Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve Classic Lentil Soup
Classic Lentil Soup is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. It can also be complemented with a fresh salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, consider serving it with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cheese.
How to store Classic Lentil Soup
To store your Classic Lentil Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in individual portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it thaw completely before reheating.
Tips to make Classic Lentil Soup
- Rinse the lentils: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of it and mix it back in.
Variations
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly by using vegetable broth. For a spicier kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Check out this Coconut Red Lentil Soup, another hearty lentil soup.
FAQs
- Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils? Yes, you can use canned lentils, but reduce the cooking time as they are already cooked.
- Is Classic Lentil Soup gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
- Can I add meat to this soup? Definitely! Adding sausage or ham can enhance the flavor of the soup.
Conclusion
Classic Lentil Soup is an easy, nutritious, and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a comforting meal in no time. Enjoy this classic recipe and savor the warm and hearty flavors it brings!
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