This flavorful lentil soup is packed with warm spices, tender lentils, and nutrient-rich greens. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for cool weather or anytime you’re craving a nutritious meal. The combination of cumin, curry powder, and thyme, along with fresh greens and a squeeze of lemon, makes this soup both comforting and invigorating.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Active Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, lightly drained
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale (tough ribs removed)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from ½ to 1 medium lemon), to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrots. Stir often and cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Aromatics:
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, curry powder, and thyme. Cook while stirring constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add Tomatoes and Enhance Flavor:
- Add the lightly drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, to deepen their flavor.
- Add the Lentils and Liquid:
- Pour in the lentils, vegetable broth, and water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Raise the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Blend a Portion of the Soup:
- Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Carefully blend until smooth, using a tea towel to protect your hand from steam. Pour the puréed portion back into the pot to create a slightly thicker texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot.
- Add the Greens and Finish:
- Stir in the chopped collard greens or kale and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking. Remove the soup from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. For more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for several months in a sealed container. Defrost before reheating.
Cooking Tips:
- Lentil Type: You can use either brown or green lentils for this recipe. Red lentils will become too soft, so they are not recommended.
- Blending: Blending a portion of the soup thickens it without adding cream or extra calories.
- Adjust the Greens: Feel free to use other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard instead of collard greens or kale.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat. For a milder soup, omit them entirely.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Lentils: A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
- Olive Oil: Contains heart-healthy fats and adds richness to the soup.
- Greens: Collard greens or kale are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and Nourishing: Full of protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Warm and Comforting: Perfect for chilly days when you want something cozy and flavorful.
- Flavorful and Spiced: The cumin, curry powder, and thyme give it a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the greens or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Freezes Well: Make a large batch and freeze it for easy weeknight dinners.
Conclusion:
This hearty lentil soup is a perfect balance of spices, vegetables, and protein, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week. The addition of fresh greens and a touch of lemon brightens the flavors, while the lentils provide a filling, wholesome base. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this soup is easy to prepare, nutrient-packed, and freezes beautifully. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to become a favorite.