🥣 Nourishing Lentil Soup with Fresh Vegetables & Aromatic Spices
Looking for a cozy, wholesome meal that’s both filling and healthy?
This lentil soup is the perfect choice — rich in plant-based protein, packed with fresh vegetables, and full of comforting flavors from aromatic spices. 🌱
🔹️ Ingredients:
1 ½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
6 cups vegetable broth or water
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
🔹️ Directions:
1. 🔸️ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
↪️ Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. 🔸️ Add the vegetables — carrots, celery, and zucchini.
↪️ Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 🔸️ Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, turmeric, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
↪️ Mix well so the spices coat everything evenly.
4. 🔸️ Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
↪️ Reduce the heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
5. 🔸️ Adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
↪️ Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with parsley.
6. 🔸️ Serve hot with crusty bread or warm pita on the side.
✅️ 5 Helpful Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
1. 👉 Soak lentils for 10–15 minutes before cooking to speed up the process and improve digestion.
2. 👉 Use homemade vegetable broth for a richer, deeper flavor.
3. 👉 Don’t overcook the veggies — they should stay slightly firm to keep texture.
4. 👉 Blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency if you like it thicker.
5. 👉 Add lemon juice at the end — it brightens the flavor and keeps it fresh.
◾️ Nutrition (per serving):
Approximately 230 kcal | High in fiber & protein | Low in fat
🌿 Conclusion:
This soup isn’t just a meal — it’s a bowl of comfort and nourishment. 💛
With its earthy lentils, colorful veggies, and warm spices, it’s perfect for any season — especially on cool evenings.
Serve it to your family or friends, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 🥰
