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Hearty and Easy Classic Lentil Soup

Close-up of a steaming bowl of hearty lentil soup with visible chunks of bright orange carrots and tomatoes.
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This recipe delivers a deeply flavorful, comforting lentil soup packed with vegetables, protein, and fiber. It is simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup chopped potatoes (optional, for extra heartiness)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. If using, add the chopped potatoes now.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  6. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you are not making this recipe vegan.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash about one cup of the soup against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
  • This soup freezes well for future meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/best-easy-hearty-lentil-soup-recipe/