Green Lentil Soup

Picture a bowl of warm, hearty green lentil soup, its inviting aroma filling your kitchen with the earthy scents of cumin and coriander.

It’s a simple pleasure, nourishing and comforting, perfect for a cozy evening at home.

As the lentils simmer with fresh vegetables, they transform into a tender, flavorful delight.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life together, and savor the rich, wholesome flavors in every spoonful.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Green Lentil Soup, you can follow this timeline:

1. Initial Reading (Approx. 5 minutes)
   • Begin by reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Rinse 1 cup of green lentils.
   • Chop 1 large onion.
   • Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
   • Dice 2 carrots.
   • Dice 2 celery stalks.
3. Cooking (40 minutes)
   • Minute 0-5: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 5-10: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent.
   • Minute 10-15: Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
   • Minute 15-17: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Stir until fragrant.
   • Minute 17-20: Add the rinsed lentils, 6 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil.
   • Minute 20-50: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Final Steps (5 minutes)
   • Minute 50-55: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
   • Resting Time: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes.
5. Serving
   • Use a ladle to serve the soup hot and garnish with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery, and cook for 5 minutes.

Add cumin and coriander, and stir until fragrant.

Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaf and stir in lemon juice.

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad complements the heartiness of the soup.
• Rice Pilaf: Serve alongside for a more filling meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Adds a smoky flavor and additional nutrients.
• Plain Yogurt: A dollop on top can add creaminess and a slight tang.

Storage

Store leftover green lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions and reheat gently when needed.

Freezing

To freeze green lentil soup, cool it completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Label with the date. Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat green lentil soup, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave in a covered container.

Stir halfway through, until steaming hot.

Final Thoughts

Green Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.

The combination of green lentils with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander offers a delightful flavor profile.

The addition of lemon juice brightens the soup, while fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness.

This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.

Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky depth or turmeric for an earthy note.

For those who enjoy a creamier texture, blending a portion of the soup is an excellent option.

Remember, you can adjust the thickness by adding more broth as needed.

Enjoy this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Lentil for This Soup?

Yes, you can substitute other lentil varieties, like red or yellow. However, nutrient profiles differ; for instance, red lentils cook faster and have lower fiber content. Adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain nutritional integrity and texture consistency.

What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth with water while adding a bouillon cube for flavor. This maintains sodium levels. For enhanced nutrient density, incorporate potassium-rich tomato juice or add amino acid-rich soy sauce for umami depth.

Is This Soup Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?

You can consume this soup as part of a gluten-free diet since all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Confirm that the vegetable broth and spices used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination risks.

How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

To increase spiciness, incorporate capsaicin-rich ingredients like cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. These compounds enhance metabolic activity and thermogenesis. Evidence suggests they may boost flavor perception without greatly altering nutrient density or caloric content.

Can I Add Meat to This Lentil Soup Recipe?

You can increase protein content by adding lean meats like chicken breast, enhancing amino acid profile and satiety. Consider browning the meat first to maximize Maillard reaction benefits, which will add depth to flavor and nutrient absorption.