This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Lentils is a nutritious and delicious meal perfect for any day. Packed with a variety of vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and flavored with fresh herbs, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. Serve it with crispy, oven-baked bread for a complete and wholesome experience.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Carrot: 1, chopped
- Celery: 3 sticks, chopped
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Canned Tomatoes: 226 grams
- Lentils: 454 grams
- Parmesan Cheese: A small piece
- Water: Enough to cover the ingredients
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Salt: To taste
- Oregano: To taste
- Courgette (Zucchini): 1, chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Fresh Dill and Parsley: Chopped, to taste
- Baby Spinach: A handful
For the Bread:
- Bread: 3 slices
- Olive Oil: For drizzling
- Salt: To taste
Directions
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and 3 sticks of celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Lentils:
- Combine Ingredients: Add the canned tomatoes and lentils to the pot. Drop in the small piece of Parmesan cheese.
- Fill the Pot: Fill the pot with water until all ingredients are covered.
- Season: Season with black pepper, salt, and oregano to taste.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45-50 minutes.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake Bread: Place the 3 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare the Additional Vegetables:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and 2 sticks of celery. Fry until they start to soften. Add the chopped courgette, season with black pepper and salt, and cook until the vegetables are golden brown.
- Blend the Soup:
- Blend: Once the lentils are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, and chopped dill and parsley. Stir to combine.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup.
- Serve: Serve the hot soup with the crispy bread on the side.
Additional Information
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of mixed greens for a light and balanced meal.
- Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for added flavor.
- Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less water as desired.
- For extra flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- Nutritional Benefits:
- Lentils: High in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan: Can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Without the bread or using gluten-free bread.
- Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Packed with Nutritious Ingredients: Full of flavor and nutrients.
- Easy to Make: Simple, everyday ingredients.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Perfect for a wholesome meal.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices.
Conclusion
This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Lentils is a perfect choice for a nourishing and delicious meal. The combination of vegetables, lentils, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying soup that you and your family will love. Be sure to make this delicious recipe and enjoy every spoonful. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use different types of lentils?
- Yes, you can use green, brown, or red lentils, but note that cooking times may vary.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
- You can use nutritional yeast for a vegan option or simply omit it.
- Can I add meat to this soup?
- Yes, cooked chicken or sausage can be added for extra protein.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
- Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- How do I make the soup thicker?
- Reduce the amount of water or cook the soup longer to allow more liquid to evaporate.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding.
- What type of bread pairs well with this soup?
- A crusty sourdough or whole grain bread works great with this hearty soup.
- How can I add more flavor to the soup?
- Adding a bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary during cooking can enhance the flavor.
- Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.