Classic Lentil Soup: Cozy Recipe for Chilly Nights!
A cozy weeknight dinner win for chilly days, this Classic Lentil Soup is hearty, healthy, and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until golden and fragrant.
- Toss in carrots and celery, and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, pepper, and salt. Let the spices bloom for max flavor.
- Mix in the rinsed lentils, tomato paste, broth, water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes.
- Once the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: varies
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: ~14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg