Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of wholesome goodness? Dive into the delightful world of "Vegetable Soup with Lentils and Seasonal Greens," a recipe that not only nourishes your body but also tantalizes your taste buds. This vibrant, hearty soup is packed with protein-rich lentils and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it the perfect dish for chilly evenings or a light lunch. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time! So grab your apron and let’s transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups seasonal greens (kale, spinach, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside. Prepare the vegetables by dicing the carrots, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the diced carrots to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the seasonal greens. If using kale, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If using spinach, simply rinse and set aside.
- After the lentils have cooked for 20 minutes, add the seasonal greens to the pot. Stir well and let the soup cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Once the soup is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it as is or blend it for a smoother texture if desired.
- Serve the vegetable soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seasonal Greens: Whether you opt for kale or spinach, using fresh, seasonal greens will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand!
- Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse your lentils under cold water to remove any debris or dust. This simple step helps ensure a clean and flavorful soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding other ingredients builds a rich flavor base that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it after cooking to create a creamier texture. For a brothier version, simply add more vegetable broth.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish for Presentation: A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a beautiful finishing touch to your soup, making it even more appetizing.
- Make it Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can also be frozen. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
