Hearty and Healthy Lentil Soup: A Comforting Vegan Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach, optional
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened and the onions have turned translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened.
  5. If using, add the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens have wilted and are tender. If using, add the lemon juice, stir to combine.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the soup, if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - This will be used to cook the soup and simmer the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - You'll need a cutting board to chop the onion, carrots, celery, and greens.
  • Knife - A knife will be necessary for chopping the vegetables.
  • Wooden spoon - This utensil is useful for stirring the soup while it cooks.
  • Measuring spoons - You'll need measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin.
  • Can opener - If you're using canned diced tomatoes, a can opener will be needed to open the can.
  • Ladle - A ladle will be helpful for serving the soup.

Recipe variations

  • Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
  • Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or butternut squash.
  • Spice it up with chili powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
  • Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or sausage for a meaty version.
  • Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  • Substitute vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth for a different flavor profile.
  • Enhance the soup with a splash of coconut milk or cream for added creaminess.
  • Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy twist.

Recipe overview

This hearty Lentil Soup recipe is a nutritious and satisfying meal that's incredibly easy to make. Packed with vegetables and spices, this soup is not only wholesome but also full of flavor. It's the perfect comfort food for chilly days, and it's also great for meal prep as it keeps well and even tastes better the next day. The recipe includes options to add kale or spinach and a splash of lemon juice for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor, but they are optional and the soup is delicious without them too. Whether you're a fan of lentils or new to them, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of lentils? - Yes, you can use different types of lentils such as green lentils or red lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
  2. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil? - Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil if desired.
  3. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? - Yes, you can use chicken broth as a substitution if you prefer. However, it will alter the flavor slightly.
  4. Can I omit the kale or spinach? - Yes, the greens are optional and can be omitted if you prefer. The soup will still be delicious without them.
  5. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot? - Yes, you can make this soup in an Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick release.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers? - Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the soup and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon or ladle is essential for stirring the soup while it cooks.
  • Chef's knife - A chef's knife is useful for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin.
  • Can opener - A can opener is required to open the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Vegetable peeler - A vegetable peeler is necessary to peel the carrots.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are needed for serving the finished lentil soup.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle makes it easy to portion and serve the soup into bowls.
  • Optional: Lemon squeezer - If using lemon juice, a lemon squeezer can be helpful for extracting the juice.

Origin stories

Lentil soup holds a cherished spot in many cuisines around the world, but it has a particularly rich history in the Middle East. For thousands of years, lentils have been cultivated in this region, and were one of the first domesticated crops. Lentil soup was even mentioned in the Bible: in the book of Genesis, Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob, for a 'mess of pottage' made from lentils. This humble legume, with its hearty texture and satisfying taste, has been a source of sustenance for multitudes across the ages, bridging cultures and civilizations. So, when you dip your spoon into a bowl of lentil soup, you're partaking in a culinary tradition that's as old as history itself.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.