Best Lentil Soup Recipe – Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays
We are big soup lovers in my house and eat it at least once a week all year round. lentil soup is one of my favorite soups because it’s full of veggies, herbs, and flavor. And because it’s easy to make, it’s the perfect dinner for days when I don’t really feel like cooking but still want to put something nutritious on the table.
When I’m looking for an easy meal that will keep me full for hours, I reach for a big bowl of lentil soup! The tiny legumes used for the lentil soup are hearty without being heavy, and this soup is a low-calorie, flavorful option that makes me feel good.
Also see: 47 High Protein Lentil Recipes
What is lentil soup?
Like most soups, lentil soup comes in many variations. Lentil soup is traditionally a vegetarian soup, although there are versions with meat. I personally don’t think this soup, which is already packed with protein from the lentils, needs meat, but I’ll leave that decision up to you. Beef could easily be added and would be just as delicious.
Also see: 20 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Lentils
Like adding meat, the vegetables used in this soup are a matter of personal choice. However, some common vegetables and herbs used to flavor most lentil soups include: carrots, celery, tomatoes, bay leaf, and garlic.
Is lentil soup healthy?
There is no denying that lentil soup is not only delicious but also extremely healthy. Lentils alone are low in fat and calories but high in protein. When combined with whole grains like brown rice or pasta (and whatever veggies you choose), the end result is an extremely hearty and healthy soup.
What to serve with lentil soup
The best accompaniment to a bowl of lentil soup is some crusty bread to soak up all the lentil goodness. This is a thick, brothy, almost stew-like soup made for dipping on bread and butter or freshly torn pieces of baguette.
And if you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side, a nice side salad works, too.
Also Read: 44 Hearty Soup and Sandwich Combos We Love
ingredients needed
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Onion
- carrots
- celery
- Garlic cloves
- Umbrian (brown) lentils
- whole tomatoes
- warehouse
- bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- crushed red pepper
- fresh parsley for garnish
How to make lentil soup
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add your diced vegetables and sauté until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
- Stir in lentils.
- Add the tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes before adding the broth or water and the bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Check the spices and add salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!