Hearty and Healthy Lentil Soup A OnePot Wonder

Hearty And Healthy Lentil Soup A Onepot Wonder

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 15g |
Recipe Introduction: Your New Fave Soup!
Fancy a bowl of something warm and comforting? This best lentil soup recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, it’s so easy and tasty, you'll wonder why you haven't made it before.
It's a proper hug in a bowl.
Quick Hook: What Makes This Lentil Soup So Special?
Ever craved a meal that’s both hearty and healthy? This simple lentil soup is your answer. Think of it as a warming dish full of earthy flavours.
You can serve it any time of year.
A Hearty Lentil Soup with a Story
Lentil soup has been around for yonks. It's a staple in many cultures. Our version is inspired by simple home cooking.
It's all about wholesome ingredients. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe makes about six servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.
The Benefits: Fuel Your Body and Soul
This isn’t just any old soup; it's packed with goodness. Think of it as a healthy weeknight soup . Lentils are brilliant for you.
They are full of protein and fiber. This soup is a great Vegetarian Gluten Free Dinner option too. Plus, it is full of those tasty veggies.
This One-pot lentil soup recipe is also super convenient. I honestly love it.
Easy Healthy Lentil Soup : Ingredients You'll Need
Right then, let's talk about what you need. Get your hands on some olive oil. We need some onions, carrots, and celery.
Garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes add flavour. Don’t forget lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and a bay leaf.
A bit of salt and pepper ties it all together. I'm actually thinking about adding more pepper next time! Grab some parsley and lemon wedges for serving.
You've got this!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Ready to whip up some easy healthy lentil soup ? Before you channel your inner Jamie Oliver, let's gather our bits and bobs.
Trust me, this one-pot lentil soup recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up. Seriously though, this Hearty Lentil Soup is going to be a new family favorite.
Main Ingredients
Right, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I’ve included both US and metric measurements for our friends across the pond.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for extra virgin if you’re feeling fancy.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , diced (approx. 1 cup / 150g). Get one that's firm and doesn't smell too strong.
- Carrots: 2 , diced (approx. 1 cup / 120g). Bright orange and firm is what you want.
- Celery Stalks: 2 , diced (approx. 1 cup / 100g). Make sure they snap when you bend them.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 2 teaspoons / 6g). Fresh is always best, innit?
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). This gives it a lovely smoky depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). Add more if you like it spicy, like a cheeky vindaloo.
- Green or Brown Lentils: 1 cup , rinsed (approx. 200g). Brown lentils hold their shape really well.
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters). Low sodium is ideal so you can control the salt.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (400g). Don't drain them, the juice adds flavor!
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, bruv!
Pro tip: For this homemade lentil soup recipe quality matters. The better the ingredients, the better the flavour. Simple as that.
Seasoning Notes
The essential spice combinations are thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. This gives it an earthy, warm flavour. You can sub Italian seasoning if you don't have thyme or oregano.
Flavour enhancers are garlic and those sneaky red pepper flakes.
Equipment Needed
You really don't need much for this simple lentil soup.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your main workhorse.
- Cutting Board: For all the chopping.
- Chef's Knife: A good knife makes life easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is your friend.
- Ladle: For serving up this yummy vegan soup idea !
Don't have a Dutch oven? A large saucepan will do just fine. No fancy chef's knife? A regular kitchen knife works too.
The most important thing is to get cooking this healthy weeknight soup ! This is one of those amazing lentil soup recipes that you'll be making again and again.
Hearty and Healthy Lentil Soup: A One-Pot Wonder
Oh my gosh! I'm so excited to share my version of the best lentil soup recipe with you. This isn't just any soup.
It's a warm hug in a bowl. A vegetarian gluten free dinner that is perfect for a chilly evening. I stumbled upon a simple lentil soup that can be an easy healthy lentil soup recipe and is a guaranteed win! So, let's dive into this one-pot lentil soup recipe , shall we? You know?
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get organised. Chop the onion , carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
Measure out your spices. This is the essential mise en place. Honestly, it makes the whole process so much smoother! Saves you faffing around later, right? This homemade lentil soup recipe will be a breeze.
Step-by-Step to Soup erb Success
This lentil soup with vegetables is super simple. Follow these steps and you'll have a healthy weeknight soup in no time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes , until softened.
- Garlic and Spices : Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!). Cook for another minute , until fragrant.
- Lentils and Broth In : Stir in 1 cup rinsed lentils, 6 cups vegetable broth, the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes, and 1 bay leaf.
- Simmer Time : Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30- 40 minutes , or until the lentils are tender.
- Season to Perfection : Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy! : Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Pro Tips for the Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Want to take your Hearty Lentil Soup to the next level?
- Don't overcook the lentils . Nobody likes mush! Start checking for tenderness at 30 minutes .
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end really brightens it up. Trust me!
- If you have time, toast your spices in a dry pan for a minute before adding them. It deepens the flavor. Be careful not to burn them though!
So, there you have it! This vegan soup ideas recipe is all about comfort and flavour. It's the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
Hope you love it as much as I do! Happy cooking!
Recipe Notes for the Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Alright, so you're about to make what I reckon is the best lentil soup recipe ever! Honestly, this recipe is a game changer.
But before you dive in, let's go over a few things that’ll make your life easier.
Show Off Your Hearty Lentil Soup : Plating Perfection
Okay, so the soup's done and smells amazing. How do we make it look the part? Easy! A swirl of good olive oil on top does wonders.
Then, sprinkle some fresh parsley for that pop of green. If you're feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and creaminess.
Think Michelin star, but make it simple.
For sides, you could have a crusty sourdough bread, the sort you can tear into. It is amazing for dipping, Honestly! A simple green salad also goes great with this healthy weeknight soup .
Storing Your Easy Healthy Lentil Soup : Sorted!
Right, got leftovers? Lucky you! This one-pot lentil soup recipe tastes even better the next day.
- Fridge: Just pop it in an airtight container, and it’ll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
- Freezer: Want to keep it longer? No worries. Freeze it for up to 3 months . Just make sure it’s completely cooled first.
- Reheating: When you're ready to tuck in again, just reheat it gently on the hob or in the microwave. Job's a good'un!
Lentil Soup Recipes : Making it Your Way
Fancy a twist? I've got you covered. This is so flexible, you can almost smell the aroma.
- For a Vegetarian Gluten Free Dinner : This recipe is already a winner! Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten free.
- Want to add some spice? Throw in a chopped chili or extra red pepper flakes. The Vegan Soup Ideas are endless here.
- Got spinach or kale wilting in the fridge? Chuck it in for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Seasonal swaps: Use butternut squash instead of carrots in autumn for a cozy spin.
Homemade Lentil Soup Recipe : The Good Stuff
Each bowl of this lentil soup with vegetables packs a nutritional punch. We're talking protein, fiber, and loads of vitamins.
This simple lentil soup is a great source of energy and helps keep you feeling full. Plus, it's a brilliant way to sneak in extra veggies.
On average, each serving has around 250 calories, 18g protein, 6g fat, 35g carbs, 15g fiber . Remember, these are just estimates.
So there you have it! All you need to know to nail this Hearty Lentil Soup . It's easy, healthy, and seriously delicious.
Get cooking, and enjoy! This healthy weeknight soup is about to become your new favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my lentil soup from being bland? I want the best lentil soup recipe ever!
Bland lentil soup is a tragedy! To avoid this, make sure you're building flavor from the start. Sautéing the vegetables well, using good quality broth, and don't be shy with the spices. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end is crucial it's like that final sprinkle of magic fairy dust!
Can I freeze leftover lentil soup? I always make too much!
Absolutely! Lentil soup freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags (leave a little room for expansion). It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop.
What kind of lentils are best for lentil soup, and can I use red lentils instead?
Green or brown lentils hold their shape best and are generally recommended for lentil soup, as they give a lovely hearty texture. Red lentils will work, but they cook down much faster and tend to create a thicker, almost creamy soup. If you're using red lentils, reduce the cooking time and the amount of broth you use.
Is this lentil soup recipe healthy? I'm trying to eat more wholesome meals.
You bet it is! Lentil soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it's low in fat and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan, making it a guilt free and satisfying meal. Using low-sodium broth will help to keep the sodium content down as well.
Can I add meat to this lentil soup to make it even heartier?
Certainly! If you're not sticking to a vegetarian diet, adding some cooked meat can bulk up the soup. Smoked sausage (like chorizo) or diced ham would be fantastic additions. You could also sauté some ground beef or turkey along with the vegetables at the beginning.
Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
My soup is too thick! How do I thin out my lentil soup without losing flavor?
A soup that's too thick is easily remedied. Simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Start with about a half cup at a time, stirring well and letting it simmer for a few minutes to incorporate the liquid.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, as adding more liquid will dilute the flavors slightly.