Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup

Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup

6 servings
A quick and nutritious soup made with lentils, quinoa, and hearty spices. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredient list; this soup is made with mostly pantry staples!

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    diced

    ½ medium
  • carrots

    peeled and diced

    2 large
  • celery

    diced

    2 stalk
  • salt (more
    ½ tsp
  • tomato paste
    1 tbsp
  • garlic

    minced

    3 clove
  • cumin
    1 tbsp
  • marjoram
    1 tsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    ½ tsp
  • nutmeg
    ¼ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    ½ tsp
  • vegetable broth

    see note #1

    6 ½ c
  • dry brown lentils

    rinsed

    1 ½ c
  • dry quinoa

    rinsed

    ½ c
  • tomatoes

    with juices

    2 can
  • fresh chopped parsley
    1 tbsp
  • bay leaves
    2
  • lemon juice
    2 tbsp
  • grated Parmesan

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat a 6 quart Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Once hot, drizzle in the oil. To the hot oil, add the diced onion, carrot and celery. Sprinkle with salt. Sauté the veggies until softened, about 6-8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the tomato paste and minced garlic. Sauté another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is golden and aromatic.

  3. 3

    Add the spices (cumin, marjoram, paprika, onion powder, nutmeg, black pepper, optional cayenne). Bloom for 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.

  4. 4

    Deglaze the pan with a drizzle of vegetable broth. Add the diced tomatoes with juices, lentils, quinoa, remaining broth, fresh parsley, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cover.

  5. 5

    Simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender and fully cooked through. This will take about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice just before serving.

  6. 6

    Taste for salt and pepper. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan, a lemon wedge, and additional freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup

Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup

45 min6 servings285 cal

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About this Recipe

Savor the Warmth: Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup

When you crave a comforting, satisfying meal that's both incredibly delicious and genuinely good for you, look no further than our Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup. This isn't just any soup; it's a vibrant, flavor-packed bowl brimming with wholesome ingredients designed to nourish your body and soul. Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you; this nutritious soup comes together quickly, with a total time of just 45 minutes, using mostly pantry staples you likely already have on hand!

What makes this lentil quinoa soup truly special is its incredible depth of flavor. We start with a classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery, then build layers of aroma with fragrant spices like cumin, marjoram, and paprika, brightened by a hint of nutmeg and an optional kick of cayenne pepper. The combination of earthy brown lentils and protein-rich quinoa creates a substantial, hearty soup that will keep you feeling full and energized. The diced tomatoes add a lovely tang, while fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice at the end brighten every spoonful, making it taste incredibly fresh.

This easy soup recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a wholesome lunch. It's incredibly versatile too! Feel free to boost the nutrition even further by stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve your Hearty Lentil Quinoa Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a simple green salad, or simply enjoy it on its own, garnished with extra fresh parsley, a wedge of lemon, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness.

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