Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This hearty lentil soup, bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, is the perfect healthy meal for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. Packed with protein and fiber, this homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite. It's one of those best recipes that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: 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 occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the delicious base flavor of your soup.
Step 3: Incorporate Lentils and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Step 4: Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
- Don't Overcook the Lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Start checking for tenderness around 30 minutes.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking. A dash of cumin or paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Lentil Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper for a spicier kick. This is a great quick dinner idea for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Lentil Soup: Ensure you use vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegetarian or vegan.
- Meat Lover's Lentil Soup: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ground meat along with the onions for a heartier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This delicious and healthy lentil soup recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day! Enjoy this easy and satisfying homemade dish, a perfect example of delicious dishes made with simple ingredients. It's a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. This recipe truly showcases the best of simple, healthy food recipes.