Welcome to a culinary adventure that promises warmth and comfort in every spoonful! If you're looking for a hearty, nutritious dish that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, look no further than Rachel's Lentil Soup from Bob's Red Mill. Packed with vibrant vegetables and protein-rich lentils, this American classic is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something wholesome. In just 40 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a soul-soothing bowl of goodness that will have your family asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare your vegetables by finely chopping the onion, and dicing the carrots and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, continuing to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, and add salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or small stones. This ensures a clean and tasty soup.
- Chop Uniformly: For even cooking, make sure to chop your vegetables—onions, carrots, and celery—into uniform pieces. This not only enhances the presentation but also ensures that all ingredients cook evenly.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions until they’re translucent and softens the carrots and celery will release their natural flavors, creating a delicious base for your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup before serving and feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your personal preference. A little tweak can elevate the flavors to new heights!
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Consider garnishing your soup with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. It adds a touch of color and an extra layer of flavor!
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices you love. This recipe is versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
