Lentil Vegetable Soup
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach or chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
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Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. This step helps to toast the spices and release their full flavor into the oil.
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Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the vegetable broth to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
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Step 4: Add Greens and Season
Remove the lid and stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Let it sit for a minute or two until the greens have wilted. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot before serving.
Find it online: https://www.pleasecook.com/healthy/lentil-vegetable-soup/