Introduction
This lentil soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and healthy. Packed with nutrients and flavors, it’s the perfect meal for any day. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a warm and satisfying lentil soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw lentils (about 400g)
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 120g celery, cut into rounds (4.2 oz)
- 30ml lemon juice (2 tbsp)
- 10g chopped fresh parsley (0.4 oz)
- 10g chopped fresh coriander (0.4 oz)
- 10 cups hot water (2.4 liters)
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tsp vegetable broth powder
- 1 tsp cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Grated orange zest (to taste)
- Bay leaves (to taste)
Number of Servings
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings) is as follows:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g
Preparation
Step 1: Soak the Lentils
- Rinse and Soak
- Put the lentils in a container, rinse them well, cover them with water, and leave them to soak for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté the Onions
- Pour a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil into a non-stick pan, add the chopped onion, and stir until well browned.
- Add Garlic, Celery, and Carrots
- Add the chopped garlic cloves, celery rounds, and peeled and diced carrots. Mix well and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add Tomatoes
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add Lentils and Spices
- Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pan. Stir in ground coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chili pepper, bay leaves, vegetable broth powder, and salt.
- Pour in Hot Water
- Pour 10 cups of hot water into the pan, stir well, and cover with a lid.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
- Simmer
- Let the soup cook on medium heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Blend and Finish
- Remove Bay Leaves and Blend
- Remove the bay leaves and lightly blend the soup with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
- Add Final Ingredients
- Stir in the chopped fresh coriander, grated orange zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Hot
- Turn off the heat and serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Serving
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Lentil Soup is perfect for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Enjoy the rich taste and health benefits of this hearty soup, and share it with family and friends.
Enjoy your lentil soup and the warmth it brings to your table!