There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade lentil soup. Whether it’s the rich, earthy flavors or the way it seems to warm you from the inside out, lentil soup has always held a special place in my heart. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal, this recipe is surprisingly simple and accessible, making it a go-to for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Rinse dried lentils and prepare your vegetables by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery, and mincing the garlic.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Mix in the ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and add the bay leaf. Stir in the lentils until they’re well coated with the spices.
Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Once the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Final words
And there you have it, a delicious bowl of homemade lentil soup that’s sure to warm you up on any day. This recipe is not only comforting but packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal. Thank you for following along, and I hope you enjoy making and savoring this soup as much as I do. Don’t forget to check out other recipes on my site for more tasty inspirations. Happy cooking!
Tags
lentil soup recipe, homemade lentil soup, hearty lentil soup
