Description
This Best Lentil Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious vegan dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with brown lentils, fresh vegetables, and a blend of warm spices, it is simple to prepare and packed with fiber and protein. The addition of lemon juice brightens the flavors, making it a satisfying and healthy option ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown lentils
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings & Others
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander, 1 teaspoon
- Ground all-spice, 0.5 teaspoon
- Ground ginger, 0.5 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Stir in the dried brown lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, ground cumin, coriander, all-spice, and ginger. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir in fresh lemon juice to add brightness and depth to the flavor. Combine well and serve the lentil soup warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you are not vegetarian.
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender before serving.
- Lentils do not require soaking beforehand, which makes this recipe quick and easy.
- Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- Adjust the spices to your preference, adding more cumin or ginger for a stronger flavor.
