The aroma of a warm bowl of lentil soup with carrots and celery wafts through the air, inviting you to take a deep breath and dive into its hearty embrace. Imagine the earthy lentils mingling with tender carrots and crisp celery, simmering away to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. This dish is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something comforting yet nutritious.
Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, wrapped in your favorite blanket, while outside the wind howls like it’s auditioning for a horror movie. The perfect remedy? A steaming bowl of lentil soup with carrots and celery that warms you from the inside out. This recipe has become my go-to for family gatherings, where everyone fights over the last spoonful. Get ready to experience flavors that’ll make you shout “Delicious!”—and maybe even bring your loved ones together for an impromptu soup party!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lentil soup is not only easy to prepare but packs a flavor punch that will leave everyone wanting more
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions with friends and family
- Enjoy it as a main dish or as a delightful starter
I remember the first time I made this lentil soup with carrots and celery for my friends; they couldn’t stop raving about it, asking for seconds until they were practically rolling home.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Green or Brown Lentils: Choose firm lentils that hold their shape well during cooking; avoid mushy varieties for this recipe.
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Carrots: Fresh, bright orange carrots add sweetness and color—go organic if you can!
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Celery: Crisp stalks provide crunch and depth; select firm ones without blemishes for optimal flavor.
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Onion: A staple aromatic that forms the base flavor; yellow onions are perfect for richness.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; they add that undeniable zing that makes everything better.
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Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while allowing the natural flavors to shine.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it brings out the richness of all ingredients beautifully.
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Spices (Cumin and Thyme): Cumin adds warmth, while thyme complements the earthy notes—don’t skip these!
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Pepper and Salt: Season to taste; fresh ground pepper elevates everything with its boldness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Add Veggies and Lentils: Toss in diced carrots and celery along with rinsed lentils. Stir everything together so those veggies get cozy with each other.
Pour in the Broth: Carefully add vegetable broth along with water if needed to ensure everything is submerged. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat.
Season It Right: Sprinkle cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper into your bubbling pot. Give everything a good stir to blend those lovely flavors evenly.
Simmer Away!: Cover your pot and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy—don’t wander too far; aromas will lure you back!
Serve It Up!: Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy every spoonful as you bask in its hearty goodness!
As you dig into your bowl of lentil soup with carrots and celery, remember—it’s not just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth, laughter, and memories waiting to be created around your dinner table. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Lentil soup with carrots and celery is not only hearty but also packed with nutrients
- Its rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish perfect for any season
- The aroma while cooking will have your neighbors knocking on the door for a bowl
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add lentils, carrots, and celery. Pour in broth and simmer until everything is tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or paprika, or even toss in some spinach for extra greens.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your lentil soup, soak lentils beforehand to reduce cooking time
- Taste as you go; adjust seasoning for personal flavor preferences
- Always use fresh vegetables; they make a noticeable difference in taste and texture
Making lentil soup always reminds me of cozy family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table, ready to dig into bowls of warmth and love.
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables in my lentil soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well and save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
How can I thicken my lentil soup?
Blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier texture without adding extra ingredients.
Is lentil soup healthy?
Absolutely! Lentils are high in protein and fiber, making this dish nutritious and filling.
Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of lentil soup featuring tender carrots and crisp celery. This hearty dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With vibrant flavors and a cozy aroma, this lentil soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add diced carrots, celery, and rinsed lentils. Stir to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat.
- Season with cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
