Classic Lentil Soup

This Classic Lentil Soup is perfect for cozy nights or as a healthy meal prep option. Packed with hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or impress guests with a comforting dish, this vegan soup fits the bill! Enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread for a fulfilling experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 50 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that warms the soul.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fiber from lentils and vitamins from vegetables, this soup supports a balanced diet.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs well with salads or sandwiches.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for even heat distribution while simmering the soup.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of ingredients.

Ingredients

This Lentil Soup is made with a classic mirepoix, hearty lentils, savory broth, and the perfect combination of spices. Enjoy a bowl of this warm vegan soup with bread for dunking. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free.

Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Spices

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 bay leaves
• Black pepper (to taste)

Lentils and Broth

• 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
• 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3-4 cups water

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Classic Lentil Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Warm the olive oil in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Next, add the sliced carrots and celery; continue sautéing for an additional minute. Mix in the tomato paste until evenly distributed and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Add minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix thoroughly and sauté for about 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Incorporate sorted lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until lentils are tender. If needed, add an additional cup of water if the soup becomes too thick.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Remove bay leaves from the soup before serving. Stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness; season with salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Serve warm in bowls topped with freshly chopped parsley. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Enjoy this warming bowl of Classic Lentil Soup as part of your healthy meal rotation!

How to Serve Classic Lentil Soup

Serving Classic Lentil Soup is a delightful experience that can be easily enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some wonderful serving suggestions to complement your warm bowl of lentil goodness.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dunking into the soup, adding texture and flavor to each bite.

Topped with Avocado

• Slices of creamy avocado on top provide a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well with the savory soup.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light green salad drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the hearty nature of the lentil soup.

With Grated Cheese (Vegan Option)

• For a non-dairy twist, sprinkle some nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Served in Bread Bowls

• Hollow out small loaves of bread to serve your soup in, creating an edible bowl that’s perfect for enjoying every last drop.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro enhances the presentation and adds a burst of freshness to each serving.

How to Perfect Classic Lentil Soup

Perfecting Classic Lentil Soup involves paying attention to details that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Choose the Right Lentils: Use green or brown lentils for their sturdy texture; red lentils tend to break down too much during cooking.
• Sauté Aromatics Properly: Take your time sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft; this builds a flavorful base for the soup.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup becomes too thick while simmering, simply add more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper at the end for the best flavor balance.
• Add Acid at the End: Incorporating lemon juice or vinegar right before serving brightens up the flavors without losing their integrity during cooking.
• Let It Rest: Allowing your soup to sit for a bit after cooking can deepen the flavors, so consider making it ahead and reheating when ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Lentil Soup

Pairing side dishes with Classic Lentil Soup can create a satisfying meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and complements the warm flavors of the soup perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings sweetness and depth alongside your hearty lentil dish.
3. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with fresh vegetables offers a protein-packed side that enhances overall nutrition.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice or grains make a beautiful and nutritious addition to your meal.
5. Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly seasoned kale chips provide an enjoyable crunch and are a healthy alternative to traditional snacks.
6. Hummus with Veggies: Creamy hummus served with crunchy vegetable sticks makes for a refreshing appetizer before diving into your soup.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and pair wonderfully with the earthiness of lentils.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins provide a slightly sweet contrast while being perfect for dipping into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Classic Lentil Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls.

• Skipping the aromatics: Neglecting the base vegetables like onion, garlic, carrots, and celery can lead to a flat-tasting soup. Always start by sautéing these ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Not rinsing lentils: Failing to rinse lentils can leave dirt or debris in your soup. Be sure to sort and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the pot for a clean taste.
• Overcooking the lentils: Cooking lentils for too long can cause them to become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for tenderness around the 20-minute mark.
• Ignoring seasoning: Skipping on spices or failing to taste as you go can result in bland soup. Taste your soup throughout cooking and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Using cold broth or water: Adding cold liquid can slow down the cooking process. Always use warm vegetable broth or water for a faster simmer.
• Neglecting garnishes: Forgetting to add fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice at the end can diminish final flavor brightness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes a big difference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Classic Lentil Soup

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Classic Lentil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Classic Lentil Soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.

What type of lentils are best for Classic Lentil Soup?

Green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a hearty texture.

Can I customize Classic Lentil Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor variety.

How do I store leftovers of Classic Lentil Soup?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Is Classic Lentil Soup vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

How long does it take to make Classic Lentil Soup?

The total time from prep to serving is about 50 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Classic Lentil Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner at home. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Try it out, and enjoy its comforting warmth any day of the week!