Hearty and Healthy: Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Ehud, an Israeli chef with a passion for hearty and flavorful dishes. Today, I’ll share with you a recipe that’s close to my heart: Hearty Lentil Soup. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you need a comfort food fix.
Lentil soup is comforting, filling and loaded with nutrients. It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different seasoning and toppings. This recipe is my take on the classic lentil soup, but with a twist.
I’ve added some veggies like carrots, green pepper, and onion to give it more depth of flavor while still keeping it simple. Plus, it’s a vegan option that will satisfy everyone in your group – even those who are not vegetarian.
In this article, I’ll guide you through each step of the recipe so that you can whip up your own hearty lentil soup quickly and easily. You’ll find all the information you need about the ingredients, how-to instructions, variations and serving suggestions. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro looking for new ideas, this recipe will be perfect for you.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear Foodies,
I want to introduce you to my Hearty Lentil Soup recipe, a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. If you’ve been searching for a healthy and fulfilling soup recipe, this one is perfect for you.
What makes this recipe so special? Firstly, it has a rich combination of flavors thanks to the various herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients are expertly blended and cooked with chopped onions, carrots, and green peppers in olive oil until perfectly tender. Secondly, the lentils are the stars of the dish as they add a natural nuttiness that perfectly complements the savory goodness of the soup.
And if that wasn’t enough already, this recipe is not just tasty but also vegan-friendly. It’s perfect for those following a plant-based diet because it provides a high amount of protein which is essential to feeling nourished and satisfied after your meal.
Additionally, lentils play an important role in promoting good health. They’re packed with nutrients such as iron, folate, potassium and fiber that can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve digestion. Lentils have also been linked to healthy weight loss management since these foods are low calorie-dense (meaning they’re low in calories relative to their total weight), so incorporating them into your diet is sure to be beneficial.
Lastly, this lentil soup is versatile – it can be paired with many different dishes such as crusty bread or salads- or enjoyed on its own!
Once you try this hearty lentil soup recipe yourself I’m certain you’ll agree that it’s truly a winner. So why not give it a go? Perhaps, it will become one of your favorite soup recipes too.
Enjoy!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make this hearty lentil soup recipe:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can add more veggies like diced green pepper or potatoes. Olive oil is recommended for a heartier and richer flavor to the soup. Consider buying organic lentils to ensure quality and freshness.
Make sure to check your pantry for these essential ingredients and head out to the grocery store for what you don’t have on hand.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking! Are you ready to delve into the hearty goodness of lentil soup? This recipe has been passed down to me from generations of Israeli cooks, and I am thrilled to share it with you. Trust me, once you try this hearty lentil soup, it will become a staple in your kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, comforting meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients
First up, let’s gather our ingredients. You can’t make soup without them! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cups of lentils (green or brown)
- 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)
Make sure your ingredients are ready before starting the cooking process. Now, let’s move on to the fun part: making the soup!
Instructions
- Heat up your large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add the carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme (optional), and sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Add the lentils and sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the water and tomato sauce, stir together thoroughly.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat; then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until lentils are tender, for about 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle in some salt and cayenne pepper according to personal preferences.
We’re almost done! Now our lentil soup is ready to serve.
Serving
Ladle this hearty soup into bowls and serve hot as a main dish or a side dish paired with crackers or bread.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe serves four to six people; however, if you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for future meals. To reheat the soup, place it in the microwave or a pot over low heat until warm.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure maximum flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water or chicken broth.
For added texture and protein boost consider adding some beans like black beans or kidney beans.
If you prefer creamier soups blend around third of boiled lentils with immersion blender before adding salt & cayenne pepper .
FAQ
- Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly!
Substitutions and Variations
This hearty lentil soup recipe offers plenty of room for experimentation and personalization, making it an easy and versatile dish to prepare. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to give your lentil soup a unique twist:
– Vegetables: While this recipe calls for a base of onions, carrots, and celery, feel free to mix things up by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. You can even throw in some leafy greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition.
– Spices: The combination of thyme, bay leaf, cayenne pepper and salt already gives this lentil soup plenty of flavor, but you can play around with other spices to fit your taste buds. Cumin, smoked paprika or coriander will add depth to the dish, while fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro will balance out the flavors.
– Broths: Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken or beef broth if you’re looking for a meatier flavor. Don’t have any broth on hand? Use water instead – using enough salt and spice provide enough flavor if needed.
– Beans: For some extra heartiness and protein, consider adding some canned beans to your soup. Chickpeas, pinto beans, navy beans all work well in the Vegan Lentil Stew. Mix-and-match them depending on what you have on hands – alternatively try red kidney beans for a different take on the classic version of the soup!
– Lentils: Swap out brown lentils for green ones if that’s what you have on hands – either way this is a bowl of goodness! Red lentils are actually more like split peas when cooked at home will dissolve into the stew helping to thicken up the texture; Great additions to Minestrone Soup & Veggie Soup!
In addition to these substitutions, this hearty vegan soup recipe can be easily batch-cooked and frozen so that you always have a convenient meal on hand – America’s Test Kitchen agrees too!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving my hearty lentil soup, I like to keep things simple. A warm bowl of this comforting soup is perfect all by itself or served with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
If you want to kick things up a notch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top. The tanginess from the dairy will balance out the earthy flavor of the lentils.
If you’re feeling fancy, pair this soup with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. I personally love to pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots, which complement the flavors of the soup and add some extra color to the plate.
When it comes to beverages, I recommend pairing this soup with a light-bodied red wine or a crisp white wine such as a chardonnay or pinot noir. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, try serving it with iced tea or sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
No matter how you choose to serve this hearty lentil soup, one thing is for sure: your taste buds will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Hearty Lentil Soup recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal prep and keeping as leftovers. I enjoy making a big batch on the weekend and storing it in the refrigerator for easy weeknight dinners. The soup can be stored in airtight containers or mason jars for up to 4-5 days.
When reheating, you may need to add a little bit of water as the lentils will absorb some of the liquid while sitting. Reheat the soup on the stovetop on medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You may also reheat in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and heating for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
If you’re planning to freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When thawing frozen Hearty Lentil Soup, let it defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave on low heat.
To take this dish on-the-go, transfer the soup into a thermos or insulated container to keep it hot until lunchtime. This soup is hearty enough that it can also be used as a base for other dishes such as lentil stews and minestrone soup.
Overall, this recipe is great for busy individuals who want to enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals without having to fuss with fresh ingredients daily. By storing and reheating this delicious soup, you’ll always have a cozy meal ready whenever you need it.
Tips for Perfect Results
A perfect lentil soup is all about texture and flavors blended together, and a few tips can make it even better. Here are some of my tips to make sure your lentil soup comes out perfect every time:
1) Soak lentils before cooking: Soaking the lentils in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking speeds up the cooking process and leads to perfectly tender texture.
2) Add salt towards the end: Adding salt at the beginning may harden the lentils, leading to unpleasant texture; I recommend adding salt towards the end of cooking for perfect results.
3) Use quality broth: For a great base flavor, choose high-quality vegetable or chicken broth while preparing your soup. It adds depth and richness to the dish.
4) Experiment with spice levels: You can adjust spice levels according to your preferences. Cayenne pepper gives a mild kick while thyme and bay leaf add depth.
5) Don’t skimp on garlic: Garlic cloves enhance the flavors in any soup and create a soul-warming aroma. For best results, finely chop them so they don’t overpower other ingredients.
6) Mix up your veggies: Feel free to experiment with vegetables; this recipe can be a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge. Carrots, celery, green peppers, yellow onions – all work amazingly with lentils.
7) Let it simmer and meld flavors: After adding all ingredients to the pot or Dutch oven, simmer on low heat for some time; it lets flavors meld together giving you an amazing result.
By following these tips, you’ll create an unbelievable hearty lentil soup that you will be proud of!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this hearty lentil soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a warm and comforting bowl of soup. The combination of green lentils, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings creates a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Not only is this soup easy to make, but it is also versatile and can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you want to add some extra spice with cayenne pepper or switch up the vegetables with your favorites, this recipe allows for creativity in the kitchen.
Furthermore, this lentil soup is a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. It is vegan-friendly and packed with nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking up a batch of this hearty lentil soup. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or leftover snacks, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you won’t be able to resist its hearty goodness!
Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of pardina lentils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 liters water
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon bay leaf
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- salt
Instructions
- Mix everything in a crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.