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Best Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.4 from 1 review

A nutritious and hearty lentil soup packed with vegetables and flavor, perfect for a comforting meal. This soup combines tender green lentils, kale, carrots, and celery simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes and seasoned with cumin and fresh thyme, finished with a splash of white vinegar for a subtle tang.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 medium carrots, chopped (2 cups)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 small or 3 large kale leaves, stems finely diced, leaves chopped (8 cups)
  • 12 fresh thyme sprigs, bundled
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Pantry

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Heaping ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • ¾ cup dry green lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • Red pepper flakes, for serving
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, kale stems, ground cumin, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften, allowing the flavors to develop.
  2. Add Aromatics and Simmer: Stir in the grated garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, rinsed green lentils, white vinegar, and the bundled fresh thyme sprigs along with the vegetable broth. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
  3. Wilt the Kale Leaves: Add the chopped kale leaves to the pot and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the kale has wilted and softened.
  4. Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the thyme bundle. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Rinsing the lentils before cooking removes excess starch and any debris, improving texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth or water to reach desired consistency.
  • Parmesan cheese makes a great optional garnish, but omit for a vegan version.
  • White vinegar enhances the soup’s brightness but can be substituted with lemon juice if preferred.
  • For extra protein, you can add cooked sausage or chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/best-lentil-soup-recipe/