Why Make This Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a delicious way to add a comforting meal to your table. This recipe combines earthy lentils, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs, creating a dish that is both hearty and healthy. Perfect for cool nights or when you need a nutritious boost, it makes a satisfying meal rich in protein and fiber. Plus, this soup is easy to prepare, affordable, and can be customized to suit your tastes!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 230
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
- Fiber: 14 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
How to Make Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Making this soup is a straightforward process that yields a flavorful and nourishing dish. The cooking begins with aromatic vegetables sautéed until tender, then combined with lentils and spices, culminating in a satisfying bowl of soup. Follow these clear steps to create a delightful pot of Mediterranean goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
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Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook this mixture for another minute until the aroma of the spices fills your kitchen.
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Step 3: Cooking
Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
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Step 4: Finishing
Once the lentils are ready, stir in the lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lentil Soup
This Mediterranean Lentil Soup is best enjoyed hot. Serve it in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. You can pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner.
How to Store Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it. The soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Lentil Soup
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Spice adjustments: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Make it creamy: For a richer texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or bay leaves can add more depth to the flavor. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Test for doneness: Lentils should be tender but not mushy; check them occasionally while simmering.
Delicious Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier soup.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, feta cheese, or artichoke hearts for a gourmet touch.
- Spicy variation: Use a small can of green chilies or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use any type of lentils?
Yes! While green or brown lentils are best for this soup, red lentils will break down and create a creamier texture. - Is this soup vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth, this recipe is completely vegan-friendly! - How can I thicken my soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup or let it simmer longer without a lid to reduce and thicken. - Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just make sure to store it properly. - What can I serve with this soup?
A side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this soup.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a warming and nourishing dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices creates a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this delicious soup today; your taste buds will thank you!
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Mediterranean Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and comforting Mediterranean Lentil Soup featuring earthy lentils, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs, perfect for a nutritious boost on cool nights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This soup can be customized with additional vegetables or spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
