While I really enjoy a goood soup all year around, I particularly love soups in the Autumn and Winter seasons. There is just something about a hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a cold or damp day. Since our clocks changed an hour giving me a little extra prep time, I decided to make some delicious lentil soup today. I usually add a little spicy kick to my soups but opted not to do so because my 1 year old grandson is now ready to enjoy soups too. Here is an easy to make lentil soup. Enjoy and share your favorite soup in the comments below.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika to the pot. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
This lentil soup is hearty and full of flavor. You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own. It’s also great for meal prep as it reheats well. Enjoy!
