This Classic Lentil Soup is the perfect comfort food, ideal for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to meal prep for the week. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it features a classic mirepoix, tender lentils, and a rich savory broth. This vegan soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also gluten-free and grain-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal chopping and straightforward cooking steps make this soup quick to whip up.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices creates a delicious depth of flavor that warms the soul.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein and fiber from lentils, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a unique twist every time.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking; it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful soup, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools on hand will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, perfect for simmering soups.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots.
Ingredients
This Lentil Soup is made with a classic mirepoix, hearty lentils, savory broth and the perfect combination of spices. Enjoy a bowl of this warm vegan soup with bread for dunking. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free.
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper (to taste)
For the Soup
- 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3-4 cups water
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Classic Lentil Soup
Step 1: Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrots and celery; sauté for another minute. Incorporate the tomato paste into the vegetables and mix until evenly distributed. Sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Spices
Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well and sauté for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Step 3: Simmer
Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more water as needed.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove bay leaves from the soup and discard them. Stir in lemon juice; season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm in bowls topped with fresh parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Serve Classic Lentil Soup
Serving Classic Lentil Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Consider these serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf pairs beautifully with lentil soup, perfect for dunking.
Topped with Avocado
- Slices of creamy avocado add richness and a fresh flavor that complements the hearty soup.
With a Side Salad
- A light, crisp salad made with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkling additional fresh herbs, like cilantro or dill, offers a burst of flavor and color.
With Lemon Wedges
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances its overall taste.
How to Perfect Classic Lentil Soup
Creating the perfect Classic Lentil Soup takes a little practice but can be easily mastered with these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value.
- Soak Lentils: Soaking lentils for a few hours can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for the best flavor balance.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like turmeric or coriander for unique variations.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors and tender lentils.
Best Side Dishes for Classic Lentil Soup
Pair your Classic Lentil Soup with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Each option complements the soup’s rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of savory broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add a nice crunch and earthy flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad brings texture and protein to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and herbs make an eye-catching side.
- Cheesy Flatbreads: Warm flatbreads topped with cheese are ideal for dipping into the soup.
- Cucumber Raita: This cool yogurt-based condiment provides a refreshing contrast to warm soup.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds another layer of taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Classic Lentil Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch for.
- Bold choice of lentils: Not all lentils cook the same way. Use green or brown lentils for the best texture and flavor.
- Bold cooking times: Overcooking lentils can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and taste for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
- Bold seasoning too late: Adding spices at the end can lead to a bland soup. Incorporate them with the aromatics for better flavor infusion.
- Bold neglecting broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect taste. Opt for homemade or high-quality vegetable broth for richer flavor.
- Bold skipping garnishes: Garnishes enhance presentation and flavor. Don’t forget fresh parsley or lemon juice to brighten your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 5 days.
Freezing Classic Lentil Soup
- Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it lasts up to 2 months.
Reheating Classic Lentil Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in increments of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Classic Lentil Soup.
Can I use different types of lentils?
You can use other lentils like red or black, but they may require different cooking times. Adjust accordingly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables for extra heat.
Can I add vegetables to Classic Lentil Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
What is the best way to serve Classic Lentil Soup?
Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal. You can also top it with avocado slices for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Classic Lentil Soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Enjoy this warm bowl of comfort anytime!
Classic Lentil Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Classic Lentil Soup, a nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. This hearty vegan soup combines tender green lentils with a classic mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery, simmered in a savory vegetable broth. Enhanced with fragrant spices like cumin and paprika, this soup is both filling and flavorful. It’s gluten-free and grain-free, making it an excellent choice for diverse dietary needs. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or prepared in advance for meal prep, this soup is a delightful way to nourish your body and soul.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 portions 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Fresh lemon juice (for finishing)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in carrots and celery; sauté for another minute.
- Mix in tomato paste; sauté for an additional 2 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Incorporate lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in lemon juice before serving; garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg