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–+ servings

Classic Lentil Soup

This classic lentil soup is a nourishing, budget-friendly dish, perfect for cozy dinners and meal prepping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • to taste black pepper
  • 2 cups dry green lentils, sorted and rinsed
  • 1 14.5-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 3-4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnishing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and let it mingle with the vegetables, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Adding Spices
  1. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot.
  2. Mix everything well and sauté for 1 more minute to toast the spices.
Simmering
  1. Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water.
  2. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender.
  4. If it gets too thick, add the last cup of water.
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove the bay leaves and add a splash of fresh lemon juice.
  2. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
Serving
  1. Serve the soup warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 400mgFiber: 15gSugar: 5g

Notes

This lentil soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if needed. Rinse lentils before cooking and adjust seasoning according to preference.

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