Lentil soup is a hearty and comforting lunch option that’s easy to prepare and full of nutrition. Here’s how to make a delicious lentil soup with various vegetables and seasonings:
- Ingredients: Gather ingredients such as lentils, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices.
- Sauté Vegetables: Start by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot with a bit of olive oil until they’re softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic and your choice of spices such as cumin, paprika, thyme, or bay leaves. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs to taste.
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different combinations:
- Mediterranean: Use spices like cumin and paprika, and add diced tomatoes and spinach.
- Indian-Inspired: Use spices like turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, and add coconut milk for creaminess.
- Italian: Use spices like oregano and thyme, and add diced tomatoes and kale.
- Meal Prep: Lentil soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Recipe Example: For a classic Mediterranean lentil soup, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika, then stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer until the lentils are tender and stir in fresh spinach before serving.
By customizing your lentil soup with different vegetables and seasonings, you can enjoy a hearty and nutritious lunch that’s perfect for any day.
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