There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of classic lentil soup. It’s hearty, nutritious, and always brings a smile to my face. I remember the first time I made it; I was just a novice in the kitchen, but this soup felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. The vibrant colors of the veggies and the earthy aroma of the spices filled my home, and I couldn’t believe how simple it was to whip up such a delightful dish! Lentils are packed with fiber and protein, making this soup not just delicious but also incredibly nourishing. Whenever I need a little pick-me-up or want to impress my friends with a cozy meal, this classic lentil soup is my go-to recipe. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again!
Ingredients for Classic Lentil Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create a warm and satisfying bowl of classic lentil soup:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that make each spoonful a delight. Don’t be afraid to play around with the veggies or spices to suit your taste! Enjoy the process!
How to Prepare Classic Lentil Soup
Making classic lentil soup is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Let’s dive right in!
Rinse and Set Aside
First things first, you’ll want to rinse your lentils thoroughly under cold water. This step is crucial because it removes any dust or debris that might have snuck in during packaging. Just place the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and let the water run over them for a minute or two. Give them a good shake to ensure they’re nice and clean, then set them aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. I like to cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. You want the onions to become translucent and slightly golden, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking!
Adding Flavor and Lentils
Next up, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute—don’t let it brown too much, or it can turn bitter. Now, stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally and check the lentils for tenderness; they should be soft but not mushy.
Final Steps and Serving
Once the lentils are tender, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, you can add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of brightness. Serve your classic lentil soup hot, and enjoy the warmth and comfort in every spoonful. It’s perfect with a slice of crusty bread on the side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Nutritious and hearty, packed with protein and fiber from lentils.
- Full of flavor, thanks to the wonderful combination of spices and fresh veggies.
- Super versatile—feel free to add in your favorite greens or swap out the veggies!
- Comforting and warming, making it ideal for chilly days or anytime you need a cozy meal.
Tips for Success with Classic Lentil Soup
To make your classic lentil soup even better, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment—just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. For variations, try adding a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients, or swap in different herbs like rosemary for a unique twist. And don’t forget, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving can really brighten the flavors! Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information for Classic Lentil Soup
Before you dive into this delicious classic lentil soup, let’s talk about its nutritional benefits! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these as estimates:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
This soup not only warms your soul but also fuels your body with wholesome goodness. Enjoy every nourishing spoonful!
FAQ Section
Got questions about classic lentil soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use different types of lentils?
Absolutely! While I love using green or brown lentils for this soup, you can also experiment with red lentils. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and will give a slightly different texture.
Is classic lentil soup gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just make sure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! Classic lentil soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I serve with lentil soup?
I love pairing my lentil soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with some cheese or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess!
How do I know when the lentils are done?
The lentils should be tender but not mushy. Check them around the 30-minute mark, and give them a taste. If they’re soft and flavorful, you’re ready to serve!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic lentil soup is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy those leftovers all week long! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when to enjoy it!
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. If it’s a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to get that perfect consistency again. Enjoy!
Print
Classic Lentil Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Classic lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish made with lentils and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in lentils, broth, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Check lentils for tenderness and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic lentil soup, lentil soup, healthy soup