Hearty Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is comforting, nutritious, and packed with vegetables and flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional: chopped parsley or lemon juice for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Allow to bloom for 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Add lentils and broth: Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Adjust liquid as needed.
- Season and serve: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.