Craving a hearty, nutritious meal that'll warm your soul in just 40 minutes? Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! This Easy Stovetop Lentil Soup is not just a recipe—it's a culinary lifesaver that packs incredible flavor, nutrition, and simplicity into one delicious pot. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves quick, satisfying meals, this vegetarian soup will become your new go-to recipe that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and effortless.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Sprinkle cumin over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly, allowing it to toast for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
- Pour the rinsed lentils into the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Add the vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the lentils for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Lentil Prep: Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce potential digestive issues.
- Spice Enhancement: Toast your cumin briefly to unlock deeper, more complex flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Liquid Ratio: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce vegetable broth; for a thinner consistency, add more broth.
- Flavor Boosting: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the soup's overall taste.
- Storage Hack: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Optional Add-ins: Experiment by adding spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and variety.
- Doneness Check: Lentils should be tender but not mushy—taste and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
