By Hearty Lentil Soup is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Hearty Lentil Soup captures the essence of meals|vegetarian while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Hearty Lentil Soup becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup lentils (rinsed and drained)
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
PREPARATION STEPS
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the Lentils and Broth:
Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Blend if Desired:
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Why It’s Special:
This hearty lentil soup is not only delicious but also packed with fibre, protein, and vitamins, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for any day.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Approx. 180 kcal per serving
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 15 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~220 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
