Lentil Soup Recipe π₯£
Name: Lentil Soup (Truly Good and Easy – Eat Your Lentils!)
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
A wonderful lentil recipe that’s incredibly easy to make. Lentils, one of the most beloved pulses, take the spotlight in this hearty soup. It freezes beautifully, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready even on the busiest of days. Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure! πΏπ²
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 1/4 cup | Olive oil |
| 4 cloves | Garlic |
| 6 stalks | Celery ribs |
| 3 | Carrots |
| 1 tbsp | Curry powder |
| 1 tbsp | Ground cumin |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Pepper |
| 5 sprigs | Dried thyme |
| 5 cups | Water |
| 2 cups | Chicken broth |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 2 tbsp | Dark brown sugar |
| 2 tbsp | Ketchup |
| 2 cans | Plum tomatoes, canned |
| 3 cups | Lentils |
| 2 tbsp | Dry sherry |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and dice the onions.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Slice the celery ribs.
- Peel and slice the carrots into rounds.
-
Cook Onions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over moderate heat.
- Add the diced onions and sautΓ© until they soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Stir in the minced garlic, sliced celery, and carrot rounds.
- Cook the vegetables for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavors.
-
Seasonings:
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Stir well to coat the vegetables with the aromatic spices.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the water and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the bay leaves, dark brown sugar, and ketchup.
- Gently pour in the canned plum tomatoes with their juices.
- Stir in the lentils, ensuring they are well-distributed in the pot.
- Drizzle in the dry sherry for that extra depth of flavor.
-
Cooking Time:
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
-
Adjust Consistency:
- If the soup seems too thick, you can add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the bay leaves.
- Ladle the hot lentil soup into bowls.
- Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a dollop of creamy yogurt.
- Serve piping hot with crusty bread or a side of fluffy rice.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This lentil soup freezes exceptionally well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach, kale, or diced potatoes.
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
- This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220.8
- Fat: 8.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1059.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 26.5g
- Fiber: 6.9g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 9.5g
Recipe Notes:
This Lentil Soup is not only nutritious and satisfying but also a breeze to whip up. With simple ingredients and a warm, comforting aroma, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for busy days, this soup has got you covered. Serve it up, savor the flavors, and enjoy the goodness of lentils in every spoonful! π₯β¨
