Lentil Soup with Wine Recipe
Welcome to “Love With Recipes”! Today, we’re diving into a warm, comforting bowl of Lentil Soup with Wine—a delightful vegan dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or as a delicious starter for a gathering. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this flavorful lentil soup, which takes just over an hour from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes with juice
- 4-6 cups vegetable broth (adjust for desired thickness)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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Prepare the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes golden and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma of the cooking onion will start to fill your kitchen, making it smell inviting. -
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Add Garlic
Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic just until it becomes fragrant and soft, being careful not to let it burn. This step infuses the soup with a wonderful depth of flavor. -
Combine the Ingredients
Add the rinsed lentils, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes with their juice, celery, fresh oregano, thyme, basil, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well. The mixture should look vibrant and aromatic. -
Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. The lentils should become tender and the flavors should meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure that the lentils cook evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. -
Add the Finishing Touches
When the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened to your liking, stir in the red wine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the wine to blend in and enrich the flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, ladle a portion of the soup into a blender and puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup back into the pot and stir well. -
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a touch of salt or pepper depending on your preference. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious lentil soup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 86.1
- Fat: 1.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 296.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.4g
- Fiber: 4.7g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 4.7g
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. It’s perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
Tips for Success
- Lentil Variety: Use green or brown lentils for this recipe, as they hold their shape better than red lentils during cooking.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or vegetable broth. For a thinner soup, add more liquid as needed.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an additional cup of vegetable broth or a splash of red wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
Enjoying Your Lentil Soup
This Lentil Soup with Wine is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and nourishing meal. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking! 🍲🍷
