Frugal Lentil Soup
Warm up with a hearty, budget-friendly Lentil Soup. This nourishing dish is packed with flavor and simple to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 14.5 oz
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving optional
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed and drained lentils, vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid), bay leaf, dried thyme, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. For a thicker consistency, you can mash a portion of the soup against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender to briefly purée a small part of it. Ladle hot Lentil Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Notes
- Rinse Lentils: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and excess starch.
- Don't Overcook: Lentils can turn mushy if cooked too long. Keep an eye on them for that perfect al dente texture.