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Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup a Comforting Classic

A delicious Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup a Comforting Classic recipe that will impress your family and friends
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils rinsed
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
  • 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Method
 

Sauté Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery - cook until softened, about 8 minutes
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor
Build Soup
  1. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and bay leaves
  2. Stir in thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes
  3. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes
  4. Season with salt and pepper during last 10 minutes of cooking
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove bay leaves and discard
  2. Stir in kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes
  3. Add lemon juice and fresh parsley
  4. Adjust seasoning if needed
  5. Serve hot with crusty bread and Parmesan cheese if desired

Notes

Enjoy your delicious creation!