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Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

A hearty and flavorful vegetarian lentil soup packed with nutritious vegetables, tender lentils, and a creamy finish of cheddar cheese and sour cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to prepare and full of comforting, earthy flavors.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (around 4-5 small potatoes)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into coins

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • ½ cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp marjoram
  • Pinch of salt (adjust based on vegetable broth saltiness)

Liquids & Dairy

  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery and sauté until the garlic becomes translucent and soft, releasing their flavors.
  2. Add Root Vegetables and Season: Add the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt (adjust based on your broth's salt content). Fry the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
  3. Add Lentils, Herbs, and Broth: Stir in the rinsed lentils, thyme, and marjoram. Pour in the vegetable stock, cover the pan with the lid, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Cool and Add Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined, enriching the soup's flavor and texture.
  5. Incorporate Sour Cream: Scoop out ¼ cup of soup liquid without any vegetables into a small bowl. Dissolve the sour cream in this portion, then stir the mixture back into the main pot to give the soup a creamy and tangy note.
  6. Optional Blending: For a creamier texture, blend about one-quarter of the soup using a stick blender until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs of your choice for an aromatic finish.

Notes

  • The salt quantity depends highly on how salty your vegetable broth is, so season carefully to avoid over-salting.
  • Lentils should be soft but not mushy to keep texture; simmering time may vary slightly based on lentil type and age.
  • Using a stick blender to blend a portion of the soup is optional but recommended for creamier soup consistency.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives make excellent garnishes and add freshness to the final dish.
  • Shrinking the soup by simmering longer will intensify flavors but may thicken consistency.

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