Looking for a cozy, nutritious meal that can be whipped up in no time? Dive into the delightful world of our Quick Lentil and Vegetable Soup! Packed with vibrant veggies and hearty lentils, this vegetarian recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerhouse of flavor and health. With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can serve up a bowl of comfort that warms the soul and satisfies your hunger. Curious to learn how to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and dicing them uniformly. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or dust.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes. This helps develop a deeper flavor base for the soup.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mixture.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once lentils are cooked and vegetables are soft, remove from heat. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can simply toss everything into the pot!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving!
- Texture Matters: Keep an eye on the lentils as they cook. You want them tender but not mushy, so check them around the 25-minute mark.
- Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices! Spinach, kale, or even a splash of lemon juice can elevate the soup even further.
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can add a beautiful touch and enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
