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The Ultimate Classic Hearty Lentil Soup: Comfort Food Made Easy & Healthy

A close-up of a white bowl filled with hearty lentil soup featuring visible lentils, diced carrots, and celery.
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Make this simple, satisfying lentil soup for a nutritious and budget-friendly weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers deep flavor perfect for cozy weather.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for heartiness)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, cumin, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, potato (if using), and bay leaf to the pot.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  6. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the red wine vinegar.
  7. Taste the soup and add salt as needed.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend a portion of the soup before serving.
  • If you prefer an Italian style, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano with the other spices.
  • This soup freezes well for future meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/best-lentil-soup-cozy-healthy-recipe/