Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to warm up your day? Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Healthy Lentil Vegetable Soup! Packed with hearty lentils and a medley of fresh vegetables, this comforting dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-follow recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delightful soup that’s sure to keep you coming back for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 2 diced carrots, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any debris or impurities. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and thyme. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the lentils and vegetables are fully submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- After 30 minutes, check the consistency of the soup. If it is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once done, remove the pot from heat. You can serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- This Healthy Lentil Vegetable Soup can be enjoyed immediately, or it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can whip up the soup in no time on a busy day!
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris or impurities, ensuring a cleaner and tastier soup.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to make the soup your own.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable broth or water during the cooking process until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when seasoning the soup.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
