Delight in our Homemade Lentil Soup, a perfect blend of hearty flavors and nutritional goodness. Crafted with dried lentils and enriched by our special homemade curry powder, this soup is an ideal pick-me-up for chilly days. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it's also a powerhouse of dietary fibers.
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Enjoy it alongside crusty bread or your favorite sides for a complete, nourishing meal. Whether as a cozy winter treat or a healthy option for lunch or dinner, our Lentil Soup is a wonderful choice for any meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
This Lentil Soup recipe features easy-to-find pantry staples along with fresh vegetables and herbs. Let's take a look at these readily available ingredients.
- Lentils: The foundation of the soup. Green lentils are chosen for their ideal balance of texture and flavor, holding their shape well during cooking. Red or brown lentils can be used for varied taste and texture.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery provide a natural sweetness and rich, meaty undertone. Adding greens like kale or spinach boosts the soup's nutritional value, enriching it with vitamins and minerals.
- Tomato: Essential for creating a tangy and robust base, complementing the lentils. Whether crushed or diced, tomatoes add body and acidity to the soup.
- Aromatics: Onions and garlic are key for building a foundational flavor layer, offering a combination of sweetness and pungent depth.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the soup, cutting through the richness and balancing the flavors with its zesty profile.
- Herbs: Thyme and parsley lend a fragrant herbaceousness, while dried oregano can introduce an earthy depth. These herbs enhance the soup's complexity and aroma.
- Broth: Vegetable broth forms a flavorful and wholesome base, aligning with vegetarian and vegan diets. Alternatively, chicken or beef broth can be used for a richer, meatier foundation.
- Spices: A blend of curry powder, cumin, black pepper, chili flakes, and bay leaves adds layers of warmth, spice, and complexity, elevating the soup beyond the ordinary.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it infuses the soup with a subtle, fruity richness, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and flavor profile.
How to Make Lentil Soup at Home?
Begin crafting your homemade Lentil Soup with our detailed guide, complete with supportive photos and a video. These steps will guide you effortlessly to a heartwarming and tasty dish. Here's how to do it:
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Lentil Soup
Delight in our Homemade Lentil Soup, rich in flavor and nutrition, perfect for chilly days. Ideal for a cozy meal or a healthy option anytime, pair it with your favorite sides for a comforting culinary experience.
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Ingredients
For Making Lentil Soup
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 Large Carrot, chopped
- 1 rib Celery, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Curry Powder
- 2 sprig Thyme Leaves
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes, use half of the quantity for less tanginess
- 1 cup Lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 cups Water
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Salt, to taste
For Garnishing
- Parsley Leaves, to garnish
Instructions
Preparing Lentil Soup
- Start by heating oil in a wide-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add bay leaves, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic, sautéing until they release a delightful aroma and are well-cooked. The key is to cook them until they're golden brown, enhancing the soup's base flavor.
- Next, introduce finely chopped celery and carrots into the pan, seasoning them with a pinch of salt. Stir the vegetables well, sautéing for about 2 minutes. Watch for them to soften slightly, as this brings out their natural sweetness and texture, crucial for the soup's body.
- Now, blend in a harmony of spices: thyme, curry powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix these with the vegetables until the spices are fragrant and well integrated. This step is vital for building the soup's depth of flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomato and pre-rinsed lentils, combining them thoroughly. This creates a rich, flavorful base for the soup, ensuring every spoonful is packed with taste.
- Slowly add vegetable broth and water, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld together for 5-7 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for the infusion of flavors.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Allow the soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes. This duration is perfect for cooking the lentils until they're tender yet hold their shape, offering a satisfying texture.
- After simmering, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. This adds a refreshing, citrusy twist to the soup, balancing the rich flavors.
- Finally, garnish with finely chopped parsley. This not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also gives the soup a vibrant, appetizing look. Remove the pan from heat, and your Lentil Soup, a perfect blend of flavors and textures, is ready to serve!
Serving
- Serve this Lentil Soup as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite bread for a fulfilling meal. For more creative pairing ideas, please refer to our Serving Suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some valuable tips to make perfect your Lentil Soup:
- Optimal Simmering for Perfect Lentils: Pay attention to the cooking time of the lentils. Monitor their simmering to achieve the right tenderness, avoiding overcooking to prevent a mushy texture.
- Mastering Soup Thickness: Adjust the soup’s texture to your preference. Use more or less vegetable broth or water for desired consistency. For a creamier soup, blend part of the lentils with an immersion blender.
- Acidic Balance: Near the end of cooking, add a touch of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar, like apple cider or red wine vinegar. This enhances the flavors with a bright, acidic note.
- Personalized Recipe Tweaks: Customize the soup with your favorite additions, whether it’s various vegetables, greens, or unique spices. Experiment to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Strategic Meal Planning: Consider making a larger batch for later use. Lentil Soup's flavor often intensifies overnight, making it great for next-day meals.
- Slow Cooking Option: If time allows, slow cook the soup. This method allows flavors to blend beautifully, creating a more complex and rich taste experience.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 2969mg | Potassium: 2591mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 3710IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 11mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Lentil Soup with these versatile serving suggestions, perfect for adding a personal touch and extra flavor to your meal.
- With Bread: Serve your Lentil Soup with a side of crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, for dipping and added texture.
- Toppings: Enhance the soup with toppings like a dollop of sour cream, crumbled feta cheese, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a creamy twist. Crispy croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch.
- Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light, fresh green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Accompany your Lentil Soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, satisfying meal.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, diced ham, or cooked bacon for extra protein.
- Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to add a zesty kick to their bowl.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a side of hot sauce or chili oil can be provided to spice up the soup.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your Lentil Soup fresh and flavorful, follow these easy storage guidelines:
- Refrigerating: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains fresh and tasty for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, use portion-sized freezer bags. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to enjoy it. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
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