Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that warms the soul and delights the palate? Dive into the world of French cuisine with our Vegetarian Lentil Soup infused with aromatic Herbes de Provence! This delightful recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a nutritious lunch. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up a comforting bowl of goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your family and friends with this culinary gem!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence, 2 minced cloves of garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced 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 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils and mix well with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Once the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving. You can serve it as is or blend it slightly for a creamier texture.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Lentil Soup with Herbes de Provence!
Tips
- Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Always rinse your lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean and tasty soup.
- Sauté Vegetables for Flavor: Take your time to sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they are soft and fragrant. This step builds a rich flavor base for the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving! Depending on the broth you use, you may need to adjust the salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving.
- Creamy Texture Option: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Pair It Right: Serve your lentil soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
