Imagine a pot of French Lentil Soup simmering gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of herbs and earthy lentils.
It’s a dish that promises warmth and simplicity, made effortlessly with staple ingredients and a touch of French charm.
As the vegetables soften and the flavors meld, this humble soup transforms into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Let’s bring this deliciously cozy dish to life and enjoy its comforting embrace.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage time while preparing and cooking French Lentil Soup, here’s a timeline that includes prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading the recipe:
Preparation Phase:
1. Reading the Recipe: Spend about 5 minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Ingredient Preparation (15 minutes):
- Rinse 1 cup of lentils.
- Chop 1 large onion.
- Dice 2 carrots.
- Dice 2 celery stalks.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Chop parsley for garnish.
Cooking Phase:
3. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes):
- Start at 0:00. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
4. Enhance Flavors (1 minute):
– At 5:00, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Combine Lentils and Liquids (5 minutes):
- At 6:00, add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and one can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer the Soup (30 minutes):
– At 11:00, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender.
7. Season and Rest (10 minutes total):
- At 41:00, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This timeline guarantees efficient time management and allows the flavors to fully develop, resulting in a delicious French Lentil Soup.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf, and cook for an additional minute.
Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes; bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir in the chopped parsley and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying and hearty meal.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the soup’s earthy flavors.
- Cheese Toast: Serve with cheese toast for a delicious and cheesy contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add a side of grilled vegetables for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Savory Scones: Accompany the soup with savory scones for a delightful twist.
Storage
Store French Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Ensure thorough reheating before serving.
Freezing
To freeze French Lentil Soup, allow it to cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers and leave space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat French Lentil Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power.
Stir halfway through for even heating.
Final Thoughts
French Lentil Soup is a wonderful, hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of French cuisine to your table.
It’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any time of the year.
The combination of lentils, vegetables, and herbs creates a robust flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Plus, this soup isn’t only easy to prepare, but it also allows for some flexibility in ingredients and techniques, such as adding other favorite vegetables or using an immersion blender to achieve your desired texture.
Making it a day in advance can enhance its flavor, as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
Enjoy this soup as a comforting main course or a delightful appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Vegetable Broth?
You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth without affecting the soup’s texture. Maintain the 6-cup measurement. The chicken broth will add a richer, savory flavor. Make certain it’s a low-sodium variety to control seasoning.
Are There Any Variations for Adding Protein to This Soup?
You can enhance protein by adding 1 cup cooked diced chicken or turkey. Alternatively, incorporate 1 cup cubed tofu or tempeh. For a vegetarian option, stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas or white beans.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier Without Overpowering the Flavor?
Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. Sauté them with the vegetables initially. Adjust to taste, ensuring you enhance the heat without overshadowing the soup’s flavors.
What Are Good Garnishes to Serve With French Lentil Soup?
You can garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of truffle oil. Add a sprinkle of fresh chives or crispy fried shallots for texture. Finish with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
Can I Use Fresh Thyme Instead of Dried Thyme, and How Much?
You can substitute fresh thyme for dried by using three times the amount, so use 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme. Chop it finely to release flavors and add it with the garlic and bay leaf for ideal infusion.
French Lentil Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf, and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes; bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
