Lentil soup is a warm, comforting, and protein-rich dish made with lentils, vegetables, and flavorful spices. Perfect for a light meal or as a starter, this soup is both delicious and healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (red, yellow, or green), rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Lentils
- Add chopped carrots and tomatoes, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in lentils, cumin powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked.
- Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.
4. Blend and Serve
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smooth texture, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Stir in lemon juice for added freshness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander and serve hot with bread croutons.
Tips
- Soak lentils for 15-20 minutes before cooking for faster cooking time.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
- Serve with toasted bread or croutons for extra crunch.
Nutrition Chart for Lentil Soup (per serving, approximately 4 servings)
• Calories —————— 180 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 4 g
• Cholesterol ————— 0 mg
• Sodium ——————– 300 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 28 g
• Protein ——————— 10 g
• Sugar ———————— 4 g
• Fiber ———————— 6 g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size.