Lentil Soup
Introduction
Lentil soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavor, wholesome nutrition, and heart-warming simplicity in every bowl. Its earthy, savory profile makes it a go-to option for cold evenings or cozy family meals. Plus, it’s naturally protein-packed and offers an easy way to eat more veggies, all while staying budget-friendly.
This recipe is perfect whether you’re serving a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meal-sized portions for the days ahead. Its aroma and taste make it a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to both veggie lovers and omnivores alike.
The Allure of Hearty Lentil Soup
What sets this lentil soup apart is its robust blend of aromatics, vegetables, and gently simmered lentils, resulting in a creamy-yet-chunky texture. Each spoonful delivers balanced depth and just enough seasoning to lift the earthy lentil flavor without overpowering it.
The base of ripe tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions is beautifully complemented by fragrant herbs like thyme and bay leaf—perfect for pairing with crusty bread or enjoying on its own.
Prepping Your Vegetables the Easy Way
Chopping vegetables is often the most time-consuming step in homemade soup, but it doesn’t have to be! Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform cuts of carrots, celery, and onions. Not only does this speed up prep, but it also ensures that every bite of soup boasts a balanced texture.
A sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board set is also essential for neat and efficient preparation.
The Simmering Process and Tools for Best Results
Cooking lentil soup is straightforward: all ingredients slowly meld together in one pot. To sauté your aromatics to perfection, opt for a reliable SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This pan ensures even heat, so your onions and garlic don’t burn.
After sautéing, you’ll add your lentils, broth, and herbs, letting everything gently simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors deepened.
If you prefer a creamier soup, partially blend the pot using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a luscious, restaurant-worthy texture.
Serving & Storing Lentil Soup
Lentil soup holds up beautifully for meal prep. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they’re airtight and spill-proof, keeping your soup fresh for up to five days in the fridge.
For a portable lunch option, fill a Bentgo Salad Container to easily tote your soup to work or class. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon, a swirl of olive oil, or fresh herbs just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each bowl of this lentil soup (recipe serves 6) boasts roughly 230-260 calories, 14g protein, and plenty of fiber—making it a hearty but health-conscious meal choice. It’s naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan by using vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to a large soup pot. Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface as the soup simmers.
- For a partially creamy texture, use a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender to puree about a third of the soup, then stir back into the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or lemon wedges.
- Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later enjoyment.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Delicious Lentil Soup (Recap)
This lentil soup recipe combines comfort and nourishment in a single pot, with a flavor profile that shines through every bowl. Soothing, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable, it’s set to become a staple—whether you need weeknight sustenance or a wholesome meal to impress guests.