Are you craving a warm, hearty, and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy lentil soup recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice taste! This recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer, less healthy version)
- 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 garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your soup.
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Add lentils and broth: Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
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Blend for creaminess: Carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until smooth and creamy. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine. This step creates the signature creamy texture without relying on heavy cream.
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Stir in coconut milk and serve: Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream). Heat through gently, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
- Don't overcook the lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly firm lentils.
- Use an immersion blender for convenience: If you don’t have a regular blender, an immersion blender makes blending the soup directly in the pot quick and easy.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or spinach to your soup.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Spicy lentil soup: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Curry lentil soup: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder along with the other spices.
- Lemon lentil soup: Add the juice of half a lemon at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15g
This homemade cooking project delivers a delicious and nutritious meal. It’s a testament to how easy it is to create best recipes that are both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy your creamy lentil soup!