Certainly! Lentil soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus flavor.
Lentil soup is versatile, so feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables, herbs, or spices according to your preference. Enjoy your delicious lentil soup!
