Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and boost your health with this mouthwatering authentic Greek Lentil Soup! Imagine a hearty, low-calorie dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition, transporting you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Greece. This incredibly simple yet delicious recipe is about to become your new go-to meal for those days when you want something comforting, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then set aside in a colander to drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and the onions turn translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle dried oregano into the soup, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Gently stir to distribute the seasonings.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, creating a thick and hearty consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any potential debris and reduce cooking time.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and maximum nutrition.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting the onions, carrots, and celery develop their flavors is key to a rich-tasting soup.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking or garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley.
- If the soup becomes too thick, you can always add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
