There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Lentil soup to wrap you in a warm, hearty hug of nutritious goodness. Today’s meal is Cookie and Kate’s delectable Lentil Soup, a wholesome dish that not only fills your taste buds but also warms your soul. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron and join me on a tasty trip.
INGREDIENTS
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (for that extra depth of flavour)
- 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups of water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 to 2 medium-sized lemons (for a refreshing twist)
For Serving (Optional):
- Greek yogurt or a dollop of sour cream
- Extra lemon wedges
- Crusty bread or warm pita
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté the Aromatics:
-
In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Mix in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoky paprika. Allow the spices around 30 seconds to bloom and exude their beautiful perfume.
Add Lentils and Tomatoes:
-
Combine the rinsed lentils and crushed tomatoes in a mixing bowl. To coat the lentils with the delicious mixture, stir everything together.
Simmer with Broth and Water:
-
Add the vegetable or chicken broth, water, and bay leaf now. Bring the mixture to a mild boil, then reduce to a low heat, cover, and allow it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The lentils should be soft but not mushy.
Season and Brighten:
-
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. The lemon juice brightens up the soup nicely. Begin with one lemon’s juice and adjust to taste.
Serve with Love:
-
Ladle the heated lentil soup into bowls and serve with love. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top of each serving. For a creamy finish, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve with extra lemon wedges for those who prefer a little more zing. Don’t forget to round out the experience with some crusty bread or warm pita.
Cookie And kate Lentil Soup
Try Cookie and Kate's Lentil Soup recipe for a heartwarming experience." This soul-soothing bowl is a delectable combination of tastes and comfort, offering a comfortable supper that will leave you wanting more. Today is the day to discover the secret of handmade bliss!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Bowls for serving
- Citrus juicer for extracting lemon juice (Optional)
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (for that extra depth of flavour)
- 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups of water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 to 2 medium-sized lemons (for a refreshing twist)
For Serving (Optional):
- Greek yogurt or a dollop of sour cream
- Extra lemon wedges
- Crusty bread or warm pita
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Mix in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoky paprika. Allow the spices around 30 seconds to bloom and exude their beautiful perfume.
Add Lentils and Tomatoes:
- Combine the rinsed lentils and crushed tomatoes in a mixing bowl. To coat the lentils with the delicious mixture, stir everything together.
Simmer with Broth and Water:
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth, water, and bay leaf now. Bring the mixture to a mild boil, then reduce to a low heat, cover, and allow it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The lentils should be soft but not mushy.
Season and Brighten:
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. The lemon juice brightens up the soup nicely. Begin with one lemon's juice and adjust to taste.
Serve with Love:
- Ladle the heated lentil soup into bowls and serve with love. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top of each serving. For a creamy finish, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve with extra lemon wedges for those who prefer a little more zing. Don't forget to round out the experience with some crusty bread or warm pita.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is lentil soup?
Lentil soup is a tasty and nutritious soup made from lentils, which are a type of legume.
2. How can I make lentil soup at home?
Making lentil soup at home is simple. Lentils, veggies, broth, and spices are all required. Cook them together for a filling supper.
3. What are the health benefits of eating lentil soup?
Lentil soup is high in protein, fiber, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice. It can help with digestion and give you more energy.
4. Can I customize my lentil soup with different ingredients?
Yes, you can customize your lentil soup by adding vegetables, herbs, or spices to your liking.
5. Are there vegetarian or vegan lentil soup options?
Yes, absolutely! By using vegetable broth and removing animal components, lentil soup can be made vegetarian or vegan.
6. How long does it take to cook lentil soup?
Depending on the recipe and lentil type, lentil soup normally takes 30-45 minutes to prepare.
7. Can I freeze lentil soup for later?
Yes, lentil soup can be frozen in airtight containers for easy future meals.
8. What’s the difference between red, green, and brown lentils in soup?
Red lentils cook faster and may have a creamier texture, whereas green and brown lentils retain their shape better in soup.
Nutrition Fact –
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Protein: 12-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 10-12 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams (may vary based on broth and seasoning)
- Potassium: 600-800 milligrams
- Vitamin A: 100-150% Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% DV
- Calcium: 4-6% DV
- Iron: 15-20% DV
