Easy Lentil Soup Recipe – A Nutritious and Hearty Delight

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

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Vegetables and Lentils

1. Add chopped carrots and tomatoes, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir in lentils, cumin powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil.

3. Simmer the Soup

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked.
2. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.

4. Blend and Serve

1. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smooth texture, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
2. Stir in lemon juice for added freshness.
3. 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.