Very Best Lentil Soup

Very Best Lentil Soup

4 servings
This lentil soup is hearty, healthy, and loaded with roasted tomatoes, mirepoix vegetables, and delicious Mediterranean flavors. The perfect cold-weather meal!

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 onion

    small diced

  • 2 carrots

    small diced

  • 2 celery stalks

    small diced

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 to 4 cloves of garlic

    minced

  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt and pepper
    to taste
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

    28-ounce

  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils
  • 3 leaves kale

    stemmed and sliced

  • 1 lemon

    juiced

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a large pot until it shimmers. Add the onion, celery, and carrot and stir for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

  2. 2

    Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, dried spices, salt and pepper. Stir and toast the spices for 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and lentils and stir together. Bring that to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover with a lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

  4. 4

    You can keep the soup chunky, or use an immersion blender to create a more creamy texture, by spot blending for just a few seconds.

  5. 5

    Stir in the kale and lemon juice, and simmer for an additional minute or two to soften the kale. Taste the soup, and add any additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper before serving.

Very Best Lentil Soup

Very Best Lentil Soup

45 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a bowl of something truly comforting and satisfying on a chilly day? This Very Best Lentil Soup delivers a healthy, hearty meal packed with warmth and flavor, perfect for warding off the cold.

What sets this lentil soup apart is its deep, layered flavors. The use of fire-roasted diced tomatoes brings a smoky sweetness, while a classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms a robust base. Mediterranean spices like cumin, oregano, basil, and thyme infuse every spoonful with aromatic richness, creating a complex and inviting profile.

You're in for a truly wholesome and flavorful experience. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of earthy lentils, tender vegetables, and bright, savory notes from the roasted tomatoes and herbs. The soup is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, providing a satisfying texture without being overly thick. It’s a naturally nourishing dish that feels both comforting and invigorating, leaving you feeling well-fed and warm from the inside out.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as written, you can easily adapt this lentil soup to your pantry and preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you could reduce the amount of garlic or opt for regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted. For an extra boost of greens, feel free to add spinach or Swiss chard alongside or in place of the kale. You can also adjust the spices like cumin and oregano to your personal taste, making it more robust or subtle.

This Very Best Lentil Soup is an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions