Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup

from simplyrecipes.com
Dinner
75 min
8 servings
240 kcal / serving

Three things make this vegetarian lentil soup so good: caramelized onions, toasted tomato paste (it's easy!), and lots of carrots and celery. Make a big pot to have some now and save some for later—this soup is freezer friendly!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 largeyellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoonstomato paste
  • 1 teaspoondried thyme
  • 1 clovegarlic, finely diced
  • 3stalks celery, finely diced
  • 3carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cupssmall green french lentils
  • 8 cupswater or vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoonlow-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoonsalt, plus more to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoonpepper, plus more to taste
  • 3 tablespoonslemon juice, plus more to taste
  • ½ bunchkale, stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise

Directions

  1. 1

    Caramelize the onions: In a soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes, or until deep, golden brown.

  2. 2

    Cook the tomato paste and vegetables: Push the onions to the side of the pot. And in the space you made, add the tomato paste. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tomato paste darkens to a ruddy brown. Add the thyme, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the lentils and liquid, then simmer: Add the lentils, 8 cups water, soy sauce, salt and pepper to the pot. Adjust the heat to medium, so the soup is just at a gentle simmer. Simmer for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.

  4. 4

    Finish the soup and serve: Scoop out 2 cups of the soup and purée it in a blender until smooth, or use an immersion blender and purée just until the soup takes on a little body and thickens, but you still have texture. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the lemon juice. Add the sliced kale and simmer until the kale softens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste, and add more salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if you like. Serve with a nice slice of crusty bread or a side salad.