Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup but short on time? This canned lentil soup recipe is your answer! It's incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and surprisingly healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch, this recipe showcases how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even when using convenient canned ingredients. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can lentils, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a fantastic flavor base for your soup.
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Add the remaining ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; you might want a little more oregano or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Canned Lentil Soup:
- Don't skip rinsing the lentils: Rinsing the canned lentils helps remove excess starch and sodium, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
- Use good quality broth: The broth forms the foundation of the soup's flavor. Using a flavorful broth will make a big difference.
- Adjust the spices to your preference: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika would be delicious additions.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Variations:
- Spicy lentil soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy lentil soup: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving for a creamy texture.
- Hearty lentil soup: Add cooked sausage or bacon for extra protein and richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10 grams
This easy lentil soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!