How to Make Delicious and Nutritious Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This nutritious vegetarian option can be made in just under an hour and serves four people comfortably. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to make delicious lentil soup.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Time

The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes while the cooking time is around 45 minutes. This recipe can easily be adjusted according to your dietary needs or preferences.

Instructions

1. Cooking Lentils: Begin by rinsing the lentils in a colander and removing any stones that may have been included. In a large pot, combine the lentils with water (about three times the volume of the lentils) to cover. Bring it to a boil over high heat before reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer until the lentils are soft but not mushy. Drain excess water and set aside.
2. Prepping Vegetables: While the lentils are cooking, dice your vegetables. Peel and slice carrots, chop celery into small pieces, and finely chop onions. Mince garlic cloves if necessary for a stronger flavor. Preparing these ingredients before starting ensures they are ready when needed during preparation.
3. Sautéing Vegetables: In the same pot used earlier, add some olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped vegetables and sauté until they become tender but not browned. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
4. Making Soup Base: Add minced garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and the cooked lentils into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well. Pour in vegetable broth gradually while stirring continuously to combine all elements thoroughly.
5. Cooking to Flavor: After adding the broth, return the mixture back to a boil before lowering heat again. Simmer gently for about 30-45 minutes until flavors meld together and lentils are fully cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed during this process.
6. Garnishing & Serving: Once satisfied with flavor profile, remove bay leaf from the soup. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot in bowls. Lentil soup pairs wonderfully well with bread or crackers on the side for added texture contrast."

Tips and Variations

To add extra depth of flavor, consider adding other vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach leaves, or peas during later stages when cooking time is shorter. For a heartier meal, top each serving with croutons or even serve alongside grilled chicken for added protein.

Conclusion

Lentil soup offers not only tasty sustenance but also nutritional benefits due to its high fiber content and low calorie count. Whether you're looking for quick weekday dinners or want to impress guests at a dinner party, this comforting dish provides both ease of preparation and flavor satisfaction.