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Quick and Hearty Lentil Soup recipe

Quick and Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe That Warms Your Soul

A Quick and Hearty Lentil Soup recipe that is simple, nourishing, and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 cup Brown or green lentils Choose these for their firm texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Adds richness.
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Provides flavor foundation.
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves Crush to release aroma.
  • 2 medium Carrots Dice finely for sweetness.
  • 2 stalks Celery stalks Add crunch.
For the Seasoning and Broth
  • 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth Use low-sodium.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin Adds earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Adds smoky depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Offers herbaceous lift.
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf Infuses herbal aroma.
For Serving and Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish.
  • 1 medium Lemon wedges For brightness.
  • 1 loaf Crusty bread For dipping.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

For the Soup Base
  1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; cook gently for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic; cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
For the Seasoning and Broth
  1. Pour lentils into the pot, sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme, then toss until coated.
  2. Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove bay leaf, taste, then season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
For Serving and Garnish
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 15gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Rinse lentils well and avoid overcooking to maintain texture. Customize with fresh herbs for added flavor.

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