Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of simmering lentil soup wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: you walk in after a long day, and that cozy scent greets you at the door. It’s rich, earthy, and makes your stomach rumble louder than a freight train.

Now imagine gathering your loved ones around the dinner table as you ladle out steaming bowls of this hearty goodness. With each spoonful, you’re not just tasting a meal; you’re enjoying memories being made as laughter fills the air. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a snowy evening, there’s nothing quite like comforting lentil soup to bring everyone together.

I still remember the first time I made this soup—my friends couldn’t believe something so simple could taste so divine!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Brown or Green Lentils: Choose dried lentils; they cook quickly and offer a lovely texture.
• Onion: A medium-sized onion adds depth; opt for yellow onions for sweetness.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots not only bring color but also natural sweetness; slice them thinly.
• Celery: Chopped celery contributes crunch; look for firm stalks that are bright green.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate flavor; mince them finely for maximum impact.
• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; homemade adds an extra touch.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes enhance the richness; go for fire-roasted if you like smoked flavor.
• Spices (Cumin & Thyme): Ground cumin adds warmth while thyme brings an aromatic earthiness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; save some for drizzling on top before serving.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; don’t be shy with pepper for that little kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by dicing your onions and chopping your carrots and celery into small pieces. This mix is known as mirepoix and forms the flavor base of your soup.

Sauté Until Sweetness Emerges: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften about 5-7 minutes while releasing their fragrant aromas.

Add Garlic & Spices for Flavor Explosion: Toss in minced garlic along with cumin and thyme. Stir continuously until fragrant—about 1 minute—then prepare yourself for an olfactory delight.

Lentils Join the Party!: Stir in rinsed lentils along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer.

Simmer Until Tender Goodness Awaits You!: Cover and let simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!

Season & Serve Up Some Comfort!: Taste your masterpiece! Adjust salt and pepper accordingly before ladling into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.

And there you have it! A nourishing bowl of lentil soup that’s sure to cozy up any day.

Remember that cooking is all about experimenting! Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies or spices—make this recipe truly yours!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for a fragrant base, then add lentils and broth to simmer. This method ensures each bite bursts with flavor while keeping the texture just right.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in veggies like carrots or spinach, or spice things up with cumin or chili powder. Customizing allows you to create your signature lentil soup every time!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to retain creaminess.

Cooking lentil soup always reminds me of my grandmother who made it on rainy days. The aroma and warmth brought everyone together, creating memories that still make me smile today.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook lentil soup?

Typically, lentil soup cooks in about 30-40 minutes on the stovetop.

Can I freeze lentil soup?

Yes, freezing lentil soup works well; just ensure it’s cooled before storing.

What type of lentils should I use for soup?

Brown or green lentils are best as they hold their shape during cooking.

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Lentil Soup Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm and nourishing, this lentil soup bursts with flavor, making it the perfect dish for cozy nights. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Prep the vegetables: Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the celery.
2. 2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. 3. Flavor it up: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and thyme; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. 4. Combine: Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
5. 5. Simmer: Cover and let cook for about 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender but firm.
6. 6. Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg