Welcome to our mouthwatering lentil soup recipe that is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious! This thick and hearty soup is packed with nutritious lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect choice for a healthy, vegetarian meal.
With our easy lentil soup
recipe, you can enjoy a bowl of warm, satisfying goodness in no time. This
recipe is sure to please, whether of your preference for lentil soup or your
desire to try something vegetarian.
But before we dive into the
detailed instructions, let's take a moment to understand why lentil soup is
such a beloved dish.
Ingredients
and Instructions
Now that you're ready to whip
up a batch of delicious and comforting lentil soup, let's dive into the
ingredients and instructions. This homemade lentil soup recipe is packed with
flavor and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
To make this homemade lentil
soup, you will need the following:
|
Ingredients |
Quantity |
|
Olive oil |
2
tablespoons |
|
Onion,
finely chopped |
1 |
|
Garlic
cloves, minced |
3 |
|
Tomato
paste |
2
tablespoons |
|
Carrots,
diced |
2 |
|
Celery,
diced |
2 stalks |
|
Vegetable
or chicken stock |
4 cups |
|
Brown
lentils, rinsed |
1 cup |
|
Fresh
thyme |
1 sprig |
|
Fresh
rosemary |
1 sprig |
|
Bay leaf |
1 |
|
Salt, to
taste |
|
|
Lemon,
juiced |
1 |
These simple ingredients can
be easily found in your pantry or local grocery store, making it convenient to
prepare this flavorful soup.
Instructions:
- Use a big pot to warm the olive oil over medium.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes
translucent and aromatic.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an
additional minute to enhance the flavors.
- Put the celery and chopped carrots in the pot
along with the onion-garlic mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, followed
by the rinsed brown lentils.
- Place the fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, and bay
leaf into the pot.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to
low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are
tender.
- Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf from the
soup.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until
smooth and creamy.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup,
stirring to incorporate the tangy flavor.
- Check and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
And voila! Your homemade
lentil soup is ready to be enjoyed. This easy recipe yields a creamy and
comforting soup that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
Instant Pot
Variation
If you're short on time and
need a quick lentil soup recipe, the Instant Pot variation is perfect for you.
It takes advantage of the Instant Pot's sauté function and pressure cooking
capabilities, allowing you to have a delicious soup on the table in no time.
Begin by using the sauté
function on the Instant Pot to cook the onion and garlic until they are
fragrant and translucent. This step adds extra depth of flavor to the soup.
Next, add the remaining
ingredients to the Instant Pot, including the lentils, vegetables, stock,
herbs, and seasonings.
Secure the lid on the Instant
Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for approximately 15 minutes. When
cooking is finished, let the pressure release on its own. This will ensure that
the lentils become tender and the flavors meld together.
Once the pressure has
released, carefully remove the lid and discard the bay leaf and any woody herb
stems. To achieve the correct consistency, purée the soup using an immersion
blender. You can omit this step if you'd rather your soup chunkier.
The Instant Pot variation of
this lentil soup recipe offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy a hearty and
nutritious meal. With minimal effort, you can have a warm and comforting bowl
of instant pot lentil soup on your table in less time than traditional stovetop
methods.
So, why not give this Instant
Pot variation a try? It's a time-saving option without compromising taste or
quality. The quick lentil soup recipe will surely become a favorite in your
recipe repertoire.
Enjoy the convenience and
flavors of this instant pot lentil soup variation!
Nutritional
Information
When it comes to a healthy and
flavorful meal, this lentil soup recipe hits the mark. Packed with nourishing
ingredients and rich flavors, this vegetarian lentil soup is a guilt-free
indulgence. Now, let's
examine the nutritional breakdown in more detail:
|
Nutrient |
Amount per Serving |
|
Calories |
210.89 |
|
Carbohydrates |
27.72g |
|
Protein |
9.15g |
|
Fat |
7.48g |
|
Saturated
Fat |
1.05g |
|
Sodium |
1240.98mg |
|
Potassium |
500.29mg |
|
Fiber |
11.26g |
|
Sugar |
4.97g |
|
Vitamin A |
4015.2IU |
|
Vitamin C |
7.77mg |
|
Calcium |
43.77mg |
|
Iron |
2.92mg |
With just 210.89 calories per
serving, this lentil soup is a fantastic option for those looking for a healthy
and delicious meal. The protein-packed lentils and fiber-rich vegetables make
it a filling choice that will keep you satisfied.
Additionally, this soup
provides a good source of key nutrients. It contains 4015.2IU of Vitamin A,
which supports eye health and boosts the immune system. With 11.26g of fiber,
it helps maintain a healthy digestive system and keeps you feeling full for
longer.
This soup packs a powerful
punch of vitamins and minerals thanks to the combination of fresh veggies and
lentils. With 7.77mg of Vitamin C, it contributes to a healthy immune system
and aids collagen production for radiant skin. The soup also contains 43.77mg
of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Indulge in a bowl of this
nutritious vegetarian lentil soup, and savor the flavors while nourishing your
body with every spoonful.
Introduction
to Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a popular and
satisfying dish that offers a variety of health benefits. It's a versatile
option that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings, making
it a go-to meal for many home cooks. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply
looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, homemade lentil soup is a
delicious and nutritious choice.
Lentils, the star ingredient
in this soup, are not only packed with protein and fiber, but they also contain
essential nutrients like iron, folate, and magnesium. This makes them a great
choice for those looking to boost their overall health and well-being. Plus,
lentils are easy to cook and budget-friendly, making them a pantry staple for
many families.
To make a homemade lentil
soup, you'll typically start by sautéing onions, garlic, and other aromatic
vegetables to build a flavorful base. Then, you'll add in the lentils, broth,
and any additional vegetables or herbs you desire. The soup simmers until the
lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together, resulting in a warm
and comforting bowl of goodness.
Lentil soup's adaptability is
among its best features. You can get creative with the ingredients and
customize the soup to your liking. Add in some carrots, celery, or spinach for
extra nutrition and flavor, or spice it up with cumin, paprika, or chili
powder. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make a lentil soup that
suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
So, whether you're looking for
a hearty and satisfying meal or wanting to incorporate more plant-based options
into your diet, homemade lentil soup is a fantastic choice. Not only is it easy
to make, but it's also a budget-friendly and nutritious option that the whole
family can enjoy. Dive into the world of lentil soup and discover the endless
possibilities for creating a delicious and wholesome meal.
Tips and
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have mastered the
art of making homemade lentil soup, it's time to take it to the next level with
some tips and serving suggestions. Enhance the flavor of your lentil soup by
adding a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The vibrant greens
will not only add a burst of freshness but also elevate the taste of the soup.
Do not be afraid to adjust the
seasoning to suit your taste buds. Lentil soup is a flexible recipe that you
may personalize to your tastes. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices
to enhance the flavors and make it your own signature recipe. A little
experimentation can go a long way in creating a truly memorable lentil soup.
To complete your lentil soup
experience, serve it with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing side salad.
The crusty bread will provide a satisfying crunch while soaking up the
delicious flavors of the soup. Alternatively, a side salad loaded with fresh
vegetables can add a refreshing and nutritious element to your meal.
Remember, lentil soup can be
prepared in large batches, making it perfect for leftovers. Keep the soup
refrigerated in sealed containers for up to four days. When you're ready to
enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and
comforting meal that tastes just as good as the day you made it. So go ahead,
indulge in a bowl of homemade lentil soup and savor all the flavors.