Description
A hearty and flavorful lentil soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup lentils (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (toasted)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 lemon (juiced, for serving)
- optional fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, picking out any debris or broken pieces. Set aside.
- Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and toasted cumin to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma and the cumin seeds crackle slightly.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, ensuring they’re coated with the fragrant mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. You’ll hear gentle bubbling and see the soup thickening slightly.
- Uncover the pot, taste the soup, and season with salt and pepper as needed. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of hot water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup and stir well. Ladle the hot lentil soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped herbs if desired, and drizzle with a little olive oil for extra richness.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if desired.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg