Best Lentil Soup Recipe – Parade – Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays
We are big soup lovers in my house and eat it at least once a week, all year long. Lentil soup It is one of my favorite soups because it is packed with vegetables, herbs, and flavor. And since it’s easy to prepare, it’s the perfect dinner for days when I don’t really feel like cooking, but want to put something nutritious on my table.
When looking for an easy meal option that will keep me full for hours, a large bowl of lentil soup is what I look for! The tiny beans used to make the lentil soup are hearty without being heavy, and this soup is a tasty, low-calorie option that makes me feel good about eating it.
Related: 47 Protein-Packed Lentil Recipes
What is lentil soup?
Like most soups, lentil soup comes in many varieties. Lentil soup is traditionally a vegetarian soup, although there are versions that include meat. Personally, I don’t feel like this soup, which is already packed with lentil protein, needs meat, but I’ll leave that decision up to you. Beef could easily be added and would be just as delicious.
Related: 20 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Lentils
Just like adding meat, the vegetables used in this soup are a matter of personal choice. However, some common vegetables and herbs used to flavor most lentil soups include: carrots, celery, tomatoes, bay leaves, and garlic.
Is lentil soup healthy?
There is no denying that lentil soup is not only delicious, but extremely healthy. Lentils by themselves are low in fat and calories, but high in protein. When combined with whole grains like brown rice or pasta (plus whatever vegetables you decide to use), the end result is an extremely hearty and healthy soup.
What to serve with lentil soup
The best companion to a bowl of lentil soup is a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the goodness of lentils. This is a thick, brothy, almost stew-like soup made for dipping buttered bread or freshly cut baguette pieces.
And if you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side, a nice salad works too.
Related: 44 Hearty Soup And Sandwich Combos We Love
Ingredients needed
- extra virgin olive oil
- onion
- carrots
- celery
- garlic cloves
- Umbrian lentils (brown)
- whole tomatoes
- Values
- bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- ground red pepper
- fresh parsley, to decorate
How to make lentil soup
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced vegetables and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until soft.
- Add the garlic and saute for a few minutes.
- Add the lentils.
- Add the tomatoes and let simmer for a few minutes before adding the stock or water and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper.
- Let cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!