Hearty Green Lentil Soup a Bowl of Comfort

Comfort in a Bowl: Hearty Green Lentil Soup

Fancy a hug in a bowl? This green lentil soup recipe is just the ticket! I mean, who doesn't love a good, hearty soup, especially when it’s packed with goodness? This isn't just any soup, it's a flavor explosion.

A Taste of Tradition

This easy lentil soup is a staple in many cultures. It’s a simple dish, yet incredibly nourishing and satisfying. This version will take you about an hour, including prep, but trust me, it's worth every minute! It makes about six servings, perfect for a family meal or batch cooking.

Health and Happiness

This healthy lentil soup is packed with protein and fibre. It is incredibly filling. Honestly, it's like a superfood disguised as comfort food.

This is a brilliant choice for a chilly evening or a light lunch. It's special because it's so versatile. This vegetarian lentil soup can be easily tweaked to suit your tastes.

Let's Gather the Goods

Right, before we dive in, let's get our ingredients sorted. You'll need a few simple bits and bobs. Don’t worry if you haven't got everything, this lentil soup with vegetables is super adaptable.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried bay leaf
• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Making magic happen.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5- 7 minutes.

Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30- 40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.

Stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

There you go, a perfect bowl of green lentil soup just for you.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Right, so you wanna nail this green lentil soup recipe ? Let’s talk about what you'll need. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, no fancy pants techniques here.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (that's 30ml for you metric folks). Go for a decent quality one, it makes a difference.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (around 1 cup ). Yellow or white is fine, whatever you've got.
• Carrots: 2 medium , chopped (about 1 cup ). Grab some vibrant ones, nobody wants pale carrots.
• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (again, about 1 cup ). That classic flavour base, you know?
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon . Really wakes up those earthy flavors.
• Dried bay leaf: ½ teaspoon . Trust me, it adds depth.
• Green lentils: 1 cup , rinsed ( 200g ). Give 'em a good rinse under cold water first.
• Vegetable broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 liters ). Check the sodium content, you can always add more salt, but can't take it away!
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained ( 400g ). Get the ones with herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, don't be shy!
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon . This brightens everything up at the end.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

This easy lentil soup gets its flavor from simple but effective combos. Thyme and bay leaf are essential. They create that earthy base.

Salt and pepper are obviously important. Don't underestimate them! For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Smoked paprika is also a game changer if you want lentil soup variations . No fresh parsley? Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need much for this vegetable lentil soup . Honestly!

• Large pot or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens, Dutch oven lentil soup tastes amazing!
• Cutting board. Gotta chop those veggies.
• Chef's knife. A good knife makes life easier.
• Ladle. For serving that hearty lentil soup with style.

Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? A regular large pot will do just fine. No chef's knife? Any decent knife will work.

I remember the first time I made green lentil soup . I was convinced I needed all these fancy gadgets. Turns out, all you really need is a pot, some basic tools, and a bit of love.

So, gather your bits and bobs and let's get cooking!. This vegan lentil soup is a winner and I know you’ll agree.

Cooking Up Comfort: My Guide to Amazing Green Lentil Soup

Right then, let's have a go at making some proper green lentil soup recipe ! Honestly, this is one of those meals that just gets you, you know? It's dead easy, healthy as can be, and tastes like a warm hug.

Think Nan's cooking, but with a bit of my own flair thrown in! It's a hearty lentil soup that’ll have you feeling proper smug.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. Or, in this case, our veggies. Chop up 1 large onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks roughly 1 cup each.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Rinse 1 cup (200g) of green lentils like your life depends on it. It sounds silly, but it gets rid of any dust or bits.

It's called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place." Trust me, it's a game changer.

Let's Get Cooking: Simmering to Success

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes , until softened. This builds flavour, so don't rush it.
3. Stir in the garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme , and ½ teaspoon of dried bay leaf . Cook for another minute the smell will be amazing.
4. Add the rinsed lentils, 6 cups (1.4 liters) of vegetable broth , and 1 (14.5 ounce/400g) can of diced tomatoes . Bring it all to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30- 40 minutes , or until the lentils are tender.

My Two Pennies Worth: Pro Tips for the Win

Want to take your easy lentil soup to the next level? Here's a tip! A squeeze of 1 tablespoon lemon juice at the end really brightens it up.

Trust me, it makes all the difference. And if you're feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yoghurt and some fresh parsley on top is a proper treat.

Also, if you want some extra flavour, you can add some cumin or smoked paprika and boom some lentil soup variations that's good for every taste.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Hearty Green Lentil Soup

So, you're about to make this stonking green lentil soup recipe , eh? Fantastic! Before you get your Delia Smith on, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to ensure it's absolutely perfect.

We all want an easy lentil soup that tastes incredible. I would like to share with you some notes

Serving Up a Treat

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Honestly, this hearty lentil soup looks gorgeous in a rustic bowl. Garnish with a swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A slice of crusty bread is a must for dunking.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A simple side salad is a winner! Something with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even just a glass of ice-cold water will do the trick.

Storage Sorted

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftover vegetarian lentil soup keeps like a dream in the fridge. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good for up to 3 days .
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Absolutely! This vegan lentil soup freezes brilliantly. Just portion it out into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room at the top. It'll keep for up to 3 months .
• Reheating Instructions: Easiest thing ever. Either microwave it until piping hot, or gently reheat it in a saucepan on the hob. Give it a good stir now and then.

Lentil soup with vegetables : Tweak It Your Way

• 1-2 Dietary Adaptations: Make it even more veggie packed! Chuck in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. Need a gluten-free version? Just double check your vegetable broth is gluten-free.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, butternut squash is a great addition to this vegetable lentil soup . In summer, try adding some courgette.

Nutrition Breakdown

Simplified nutrition information: This healthy lentil soup is packed with fiber and protein. Key health benefits: It's great for your gut and keeps you feeling full for ages.

So, there you have it! This Dutch oven lentil soup is super versatile and easy to make your own. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours.

Honestly, the best part about cooking is making it your own. Remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly, it'll still taste bloomin' good! Enjoy!