What’s not to love about lentil soup? It is healthy, full of flavor and hearty enough for a quick weeknight meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
1. Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward and doesn't require complicated cooking techniques. It's easy to follow, saving you time in the kitchen.
2. Efficient: With minimal chopping and preparation, you can have a nutritious and hearty meal on the table without spending excessive time on meal prep.
2. Nutrient-Rich and Balanced: Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber, providing sustained energy throughout the day. This soup includes a variety of vegetables, offering a well-balanced and nutritious meal for you and your family.
3. One-Pot Convenience: The entire recipe is prepared in one pot, minimizing the number of dishes to clean. This makes for a quick and easy cleanup, allowing you to spend more time with your family or on other priorities.
4. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare a large batch of this soup during the weekend and store it in individual portions. This way, you have a ready-made, healthy meal that can be easily reheated during busy weekdays. The soup freezes well, allowing you to stock up on homemade meals for those days when time is especially scarce.
5. Customizable and Family-Friendly: The recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it based on your family's preferences. Whether you want to add extra vegetables, experiment with different spices, or cater to specific dietary needs, this recipe is adaptable. It's a dish that's likely to appeal to various tastes, making it a family-friendly option that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Health Benefits of Love That Lentil Soup
This lentil soup recipe offers several health benefits:
1. Rich in Nutrients: Lentils, a key ingredient in the soup, are a great source of protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients, including iron, potassium, and folate. Vegetables like onions, celery, carrots, and tomatoes contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health.
2. Low in Saturated Fat: The recipe uses olive oil for cooking, which is a heart-healthy fat. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and has been associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health.
3. Balanced and Whole Ingredients: The combination of lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices provides a balanced mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). The use of whole and unprocessed ingredients supports a nutrient-dense meal.
4. High in Fiber: Lentils and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.
5. Low in Added Sugar and Processed Ingredients: This recipe minimizes the use of added sugars and processed ingredients, contributing to a diet that is generally lower in refined carbohydrates and artificial additives.
6. Flexible for Dietary Needs: The recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences and needs, including vegetarian or vegan diets by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Love That Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep: 10 mins. | Cook Time: 36 mins. | Serves: 6
Ingredients
2 T. olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 c. beef broth
2 c. dried brown lentils
1 tsp. dried rosemary (optional)
2 tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (14 oz. can) diced tomatoes
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
Season salt to taste
Let's Get Started!
Step 1: In a large pot, add olive oil over a medium heat.
Step 2: Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring often until they are soft. Then add garlic to the vegetables, cook about 1 minute.
Step 3: Stir in the beef broth, lentils, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Lower the heat and let soup simmer for about 30 minutes, stir occasionally until the lentils are almost fully cooked. (Add more water if soup becomes too dry).
Step 5: Remove the pot from the heat and remove the bay leaf. Stir in the red wine vinegar, then season the soup to taste. Then serve!
Jazz It Up!
Customize your lentil soup with these fun additions:
1. Spice it Up: add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
2. Vegetarian/Vegan Option: substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to make it vegetarian/vegan.
3. Protein Boost: add cooked and shredded chicken or turkey for a protein boost.
4. Cheesy Goodness: top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese.
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