Are you craving a soul-warming meal that's not just delicious, but incredibly nutritious? Look no further than this Clean Eating Lentil Soup - a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering, health-packed dish! Packed with protein, fiber, and robust flavors, this soup isn't just a meal; it's a wellness experience that will revolutionize your approach to clean eating. Whether you're a busy professional, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves incredible food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort classic.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold running water to remove any debris or small stones, then set aside.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle dried basil into the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to distribute the herbs and seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- 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 bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Lentil Selection Matters: Use fresh, high-quality dried lentils and always rinse them thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
- Don't Rush the Sauté: Take your time caramelizing the vegetables. This builds a deep, rich flavor foundation for your soup.
- Liquid Consistency is Key: Start with the recommended broth amount, but be prepared to adjust. Some lentils absorb more liquid than others.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with herbs and spices. A pinch of dried basil is good, but consider adding cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Storage Hack: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as flavors continue to meld. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Garnish Creatively: A drizzle of good olive oil, fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate this soup from great to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
