Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe

Lentil soup is a warming, nutritious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s packed with fiber and protein and can be made in just over an hour for a hearty meal that serves four people. This recipe uses a variety of vegetables to complement the lentils and add depth to the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in the garlic, carrots, celery, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3 more minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.

Step 3: Add the rinsed lentils and enough water to cover them completely (about three cups). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for around 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are soft.

Step 4: Once the lentils are tender, season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add a bit more water if you prefer a soupier consistency.

Cooking Time

The total preparation and cooking time for this recipe is approximately 50 minutes, including the simmering period which takes around 30 minutes once the mixture comes to a boil. Preparing the vegetables, rinsing the lentils, and assembling the ingredients will take about 10-15 minutes before you start the actual cooking process.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately four servings. If you are hosting more people or want leftovers for another day, you can easily double the recipe ingredients to serve eight people comfortably.

Optional Garnishes and Additions

If you wish to enhance the presentation of your lentil soup and add some freshness, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds color but also brings out additional flavors that complement the dish well.

Lentils are incredibly versatile beans that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond just soups. They pair beautifully with rice or quinoa for a more filling meal, and they work wonderfully as an ingredient in salads too. The fiber content in lentils makes them excellent for digestive health, while the protein helps boost energy levels.

Health Benefits

Eating lentil soup is not only delicious but also beneficial to your overall health. Lentils are rich in various essential nutrients such as iron, folate, and potassium. Iron plays a crucial role in preventing anemia by helping produce hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout our bodies.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers from your meal, storing them is quite simple. Allow the soup to cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Properly sealed containers can keep in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To reheat the lentil soup later on without losing its texture, you might want to use a microwave or stovetop method instead of reheating directly from cold storage. Heating it gently over low heat allows the flavors to meld together again while maintaining the softness and creamy consistency of the lentils.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this simple yet satisfying lentil soup recipe is a perfect example of how nutritious and delicious home-cooked meals can be prepared. With its versatility and health benefits, it's no wonder why many people find themselves turning to this dish time and again for both lunch and dinner options.