Hey friends!
Feeling a bit chilly or just in need of some comfort food? I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for lentil soup with lemon.
It’s warm, hearty, and has a zesty twist that’ll brighten your day.
Plus, it’s super easy to make and packed with goodness.
Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive in!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Brown lentils can be replaced with red lentils or split peas for a different texture and cooking time. Red lentils will cook faster and create a creamier soup, while split peas offer a similar heartiness to brown lentils. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as red lentils cook more quickly.
Kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor or different nutrient profile. Use a similar amount of leafy greens, adding them near the end of cooking to preserve their texture and color.
For a lower-sodium option, vegetable or chicken broth can be replaced with water and additional herbs and spices. Use 8 cups of water and increase the amount of cumin, coriander, and other seasonings by about 25% to maintain flavor depth. Consider adding a bay leaf or dried thyme for extra complexity.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 35-40 g
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Carbohydrates: 90-100 g
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion
- 2 large carrots
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 cups brown lentils
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Kale (amount not specified)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley (amount not specified)
- Fresh dill (amount not specified)
- Lemon slices (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping one medium onion and two large carrots.
Mince three to four garlic cloves.
These ingredients will provide the base flavors for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add two tablespoons of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Stir occasionally and cook until the onions and carrots begin to smell sweet and soften, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Spices and Lentils
Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon each of coriander, black pepper, and ground turmeric.
Mix these spices with the vegetables to release their flavors.
Next, add 2 cups of brown lentils and 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a simmer by increasing the heat slightly.
Once it reaches a simmer, partially cover it with a lid, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook until the lentils become tender, about 35 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Greens and Herbs
While the soup is cooking, prepare the greens by stripping the leaves from the stalks of kale and chopping them.
Also, chop fresh parsley and dill.
These will add freshness and flavor to your soup.
Step 6: Finish the Soup
Once the lentils are tender, stir in the chopped kale, and cook until it wilts down, about 5 minutes.
Add the juice of half a lemon and the chopped fresh herbs.
For extra lemony flavor, you may add a few slices of lemon to the soup.
Just be sure to remove them before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the comforting and healthy lentil soup into bowls and serve hot.
Enjoy the hearty flavors and warmth of this nutritious dish!
