Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! This Golden French Lentil Soup is not just another recipe—it's a gateway to French comfort cuisine that promises rich flavors, incredible nutrition, and a dining experience that will make you feel like you've been transported to a cozy French countryside kitchen. With its hearty golden lentils and perfectly balanced aromatics, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses both family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup golden French lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the golden French lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become soft and onions turn translucent.
- Add minced garlic and dried thyme to the vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed golden lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- If desired, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some lentils, creating a slightly thicker consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and soup to slightly thicken.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Choose high-quality golden French lentils for the best texture and flavor—they cook more evenly and have a beautiful golden color.
- Don't rush the vegetable sautéing process. Allowing onions, carrots, and celery to caramelize slightly creates a deeper flavor foundation for your soup.
- Use fresh thyme if possible; it provides a more vibrant herb flavor compared to dried thyme.
- Control your liquid ratio carefully. If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, you can always add a bit more vegetable broth.
- For added complexity, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing vegetables.
- The optional step of partially mashing lentils creates a wonderfully rustic texture that makes the soup more satisfying and creamy.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance—the flavors will continue to develop and deepen overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
