So have you ever had a soup that just makes you feel super warm and happy inside? Like, the kind you want when it’s cold or rainy?
Well, this Lentil Soup is totally like that! It’s light, healthy, and really yummy. You can have it on a rainy day or when it’s chilly, and it feels just right.
And guess what, it’s super easy to make! You just throw everything into one pot. No need for extra dishes and no big mess. Just add red lentils, some chopped veggies, and a few simple spices… and, it’s done!
It turns out creamy and super comforting. Honestly, it’s the kind of soup that makes your body feel good and your mood even better.
Lentil Soup
Description
This Lentil Soup is a hearty, wholesome one-pot meal made with brown lentils, vegetables, and simple spices. It is perfect for cozy dinners or light lunches. It’s naturally high in protein, fiber, and nutrients while being low in fat and completely plant-based. The texture is creamy yet rustic, and every spoonful feels comforting. It is ideal for chilly evenings or when you just want something nourishing and easy.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
For Finishing:
Instructions
- Take a big pot or pan and heat the oil.
- After that, add the garlic, onion, carrot, celery and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they look soft and a little golden.
- Then add the lentils, tomatoes, vegetable or chicken stock and stir them for 1 minute.
- Then, add your spices like salt, pepper, coriander, paprika and cumin powder. Also, add 2 bay leaves and mix them all.
- Now, cover the pot with a lid and let it cook on medium heat for 35 minutes.
- After it’s cooked, you can blend the soup a little if you want it creamy. Or just leave it chunky and cozy. Both ways are super nice.
- At the end, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice to make it fresh. Sprinkle some chopped parsley or drizzle a little olive oil on top.
- And that’s how your perfect lentil soup is ready to eat.
Pro Tips & Variations
Pro Tips:
- If you want your soup to be thick and creamy, then just blend half of it and leave the rest chunky. That way, the texture feels just perfect. It will be not too smooth, not too rough!
- If you want your soup to feel light and fresh, then after cooking, just squeeze in a bit of lemon juice or add a splash of vinegar as it helps balance the sourness and makes it super refreshing.
- If you have some spinach or kale at home, toss it in at the end. It’ll make the soup look colorful and also add more healthy stuff!
Variations:
- If you’re in the mood for an Indian-style flavor, you can add a little garam masala or red chili powder. Trust me, the taste goes to the next level!
- If you feel like making it rich and buttery, you can use butter instead of oil. But yeah, it might feel a little heavy so it depends on your mood!
- Also, if you’re vegan, skip the butter and cream. Just use olive oil and plant-based stock, it’ll still taste amazing, promise!
- And one last cool idea. You can serve your soup with some croutons or grilled bread on top. That crunchy bite makes it super fun to eat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storage Instructions:
- Once you make it, you can eat it for next 3 to 4 days. Just let it cool down, then put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
- Now, if you made a big batch. Don’t worry, this soup is freezer-friendly too! Just divide it into portions and put them in freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Then pop them in the freezer and, you’ve got soup ready for another day!
Reheating Instructions:
- Remember, lentils get a little thick after sitting, so add a bit of water or stock to make it smooth again. You can warm it in the microwave or on the stove using medium heat. Just keep stirring it often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Serving Suggestions:
- Okay, so honestly, this soup is already like a full meal by itself. But if you’re feeling a little fancy, then serve it with some hot garlic bread or a crusty baguette. It’ll feel just like a café!
- You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top or add a spoon of yogurt or sour cream as it makes the taste better and gives a creamy feel too!
- Now, if you want it to feel fresh and bright, just squeeze a lemon wedge on top or sprinkle some parsley or cilantro. The color and flavor will pop out nicely!
- And hey, if you’re trying to be healthy, then serve it with a simple salad or some roasted veggies as it makes the meal super balanced.
- Sometimes, I even add a little quinoa or cooked rice into the soup, just to use up leftovers. And guess what? It tastes really good!
- If guests are coming, serve the soup in small bowls with some pretty garnish. It’ll look classy and you’ll totally feel like a pro chef!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
Serving Size 1 medium bowl ≈ 350 ml
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 290kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 520mg22%
- Potassium 850mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 15g60%
- Protein 16g32%
- Vitamin A 3800 IU
- Vitamin C 14 mg
- Calcium 75 mg
- Iron 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQ
Q1. Which lentils should I use?
Hmm, so you can use brown or green lentils. They stay in shape and give a nice texture. If you use red lentils, that’s fine too! They cook faster and make the soup a bit creamy.
Q2. Can I make it without tomatoes?
Yep, totally! If you want to skip tomatoes, just add a little extra carrot or some roasted capsicum as it’ll still taste sweet and look colorful!
Q3. What if the soup gets too thick?
No worries! Just pour in a bit of hot water or vegetable stock and mix it well. The soup will become smooth again.
Q4. Can I make it in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can. Just put everything in, give it 3 to 4 whistles, and then open it up and fix the thickness if needed. It saves time and tastes just as good!
Q5. Can kids eat this soup?
Of course! Just go easy on the spicy stuff like chili powder. Then it becomes kid-friendly and also super healthy!
