Lentil Soup Recipe

Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious soup made primarily from lentils, which are legumes known for their high protein and fiber content. It’s a popular dish across many cultures and can be prepared in various ways, often including vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and sometimes tomatoes. Spices and herbs such as cumin, garlic, and bay leaves are commonly used to flavor the soup. Lentil soup can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or accompanied with bread or rice for a more filling meal.

Here’s a basic recipe for lentil soup that you can try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils (brown or green lentils work well)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any debris. Set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook Lentils: Stir in the rinsed lentils and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Season and Serve: Once lentils are cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the seasoning and vegetables according to your preferences. Enjoy your homemade lentil soup!