Hearty Lentil Soup
Hearty lentil soup is a thick, nourishing bowl of tender lentils simmered with vegetables and warm spices in a rich, savory broth. It is naturally filling and full of earthy, comforting flavor that gets even better the next day. Wholesome and budget-friendly, it makes a deeply satisfying meal on its own or with crusty bread.
- ⏱ 40 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 300 g brown lentils
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 400 g diced tomatoes
- 1.2 L vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and saute a diced onion, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks for eight minutes until softened.
- Add three minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in one can of diced tomatoes and cook for two minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Add one and a half cups of rinsed brown or green lentils and six cups of vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently for thirty to thirty-five minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
- For a creamier texture, blend about one third of the soup and stir it back in, leaving plenty of whole lentils for body.
- Season with salt and pepper, stir in a handful of chopped spinach, and simmer for two minutes until wilted.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar and serve hot with crusty bread.
💡 Chef's tip
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the very end, because the bright acidity lifts the earthy lentils and makes the whole pot taste more vibrant and balanced.
A splash of vinegar or lemon stirred in at the end brightens the earthy lentils and makes the whole pot taste more vivid and balanced.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 3 g
