Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup, or a heart-warming hug in a bowl, as I personally like to call it, is everything you need on a chilly day. This humble dish is a powerhouse of nutrition, comfort, and flavor that is best enjoyed with loved ones and some freshly baked bread on the side. Ideal for cosy family dinners, weekend get-togethers and even as a healthy lunch option. It will consistently cozy up your dining experience.

On our blog today, we are going to dig in to prepare a divinely delicious and nutrient-dense Lentil Soup. This recipe is quite a show-stopper, it is loved by everyone from kids to adults. Why? Because, well, it’s basically happiness simmered in a pot!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 people
• Yield: 6 servings

Alright, so without further ado, let’s get started, shall we? Grab your apron and read on!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 cups of lentils
• 8 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

You’ll also need:

• A large pot
• A stir spoon
• A cutting board and a sharp knife

The lentils are the hero of this dish. They are packed with protein and fiber, giving this soup a nutritionally balanced character. The cumin brings a subtle smokiness and the Olive oil enriches the flavors. If you can’t find any ingredient, feel free to substitute it with similar ones. For example, chicken broth can replace vegetable broth for non-vegetarians.

How To Make Lentil Soup

1. To start, pour the olive oil into the pot and heat it up. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots and celery. Saut�� these until they’re tender and aromatic, this should take about 5 minutes.
2. Next, rinse your lentils before adding them to the pot. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper along with the stir-fried veggies. Stir the pot gently to coat the lentils with oil and to mix all ingredients well.
3. Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a simmer, then let it cook slowly on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until lentils are well cooked and soup thickens.
4. Do a taste test, make necessary seasoning adjustments if need be.

Tips For The Best Results

• Make sure to rinse your lentils well before cooking them.
• Saut�� your veggies before adding the lentils and broth. It boosts the flavor immensely.
• Be generous with your spices. They intensify the flavour and adds complexity.

Storage Tips

• You can freeze this soup in an airtight container for up to a month.
• The soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in a pan before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I replace lentils with other pulses?

A: Yes, you can use chickpeas or kidney beans, but the taste will differ slightly.

Q: What can I pair lentil soup with?

A: You can serve lentil soup with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Q: Can I add meat to this soup?

A: Absolutely. Chicken or beef can easily be added to this recipe.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?

A: Yes, this Lentil Soup is gluten-free.

Q: How can I make this soup vegan?

A: Simply replace the vegetable broth with a vegan-friendly broth.

Nutritional Facts of Lentil Soup

Each serving has about 230 calories, 13 grams of protein, 32 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fat. It is also a good source of Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin A.

To conclude, Lentil Soup is a delicious, nutritious soup that’s easy to make and warming to the soul. It fits well into many dietary plans and is highly customizable to suit your palate. So, whether you’re a lentil lover or just trying it out, you’re in for a hearty feast. Happy cooking!