Leek and Lentil Soup with Spiced Butter Sauce

This Leek and Lentil Soup is a delicious, comforting dish packed with hidden vegetables that even the kids won’t notice! The combination of soft, caramelized vegetables and hearty lentils creates a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any meal. Topped with a buttery red pepper sauce, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 3 leeks (cleaned and chopped)
• 1 potato (chopped into small cubes)
• 1 carrot (chopped into small cubes)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1/2 tea glass (about 40 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for caramelizing onions)
• 1 cup (200 g) lentils (washed)
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) cold water
• 2 cups (500 ml) bone broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste

For the Spiced Butter Sauce:

• 1 heaping tablespoon butter
• 1 heaping tablespoon red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the leeks, potato, carrot, and onion. Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside.
2. Heat the Oil: Add olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sugar. Stir occasionally, letting the onions caramelize until golden.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot, mixing well. Cook for a few minutes, then add the chopped garlic.
4. Cook the Leeks: Add the chopped leeks to the pot, stirring everything together. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the vegetables soften.
5. Add Lentils: Add the washed lentils to the pot and mix well to combine.
6. Pour in Water and Broth: Add 6 cups of cold water and stir. Once the water starts boiling, add the bone broth, mix, and adjust the heat to medium.
7. Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 30 minutes or until all vegetables and lentils are tender.
8. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Check the consistency; if it’s too thick, add more water until desired consistency is reached.
9. Season the Soup: Add lemon juice, cumin, black pepper, turmeric, and salt. Whisk the soup well to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
10. Prepare the Spiced Butter Sauce: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes and stir until fragrant. Remove from heat.
11. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with the spiced butter sauce. Enjoy warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast.

Cooking Tips

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk before blending.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes in the butter sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

• Leeks: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and great for heart health.
• Lentils: High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making this soup filling and nutritious.

Dietary Information

• Vegetarian option: Substitute bone broth with vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free broth.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5g

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hidden Veggies: Kids won’t even realize they’re eating leeks and carrots.
• Rich and Creamy: Blended to a smooth consistency, it’s a comforting and hearty meal.
• Easy to Make: Minimal effort with maximum flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust spices, broth, and garnishes to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Leek and Lentil Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for sneaking in extra veggies without compromising on flavor. The addition of a spiced butter sauce elevates the dish, making it a family favorite that’s both nutritious and delicious. This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of leeks in a delightful, kid-friendly way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different vegetables?
   Yes, feel free to add other veggies like celery, zucchini, or bell peppers.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
   Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
3. Can I skip the blending step?
   Yes, if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the blending or only partially blend it.
4. What type of lentils work best?
   Green or brown lentils hold their shape well and blend nicely. Red lentils can also be used for a smoother texture.
5. Is there an alternative to bone broth?
   Vegetable broth or water works well, especially if making the soup vegetarian.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
   Yes, let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
7. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
   Yes, butter will add a richer flavor to the vegetables.
8. How do I adjust the soup’s thickness?
   Add more water or broth if it’s too thick; simmer longer if it’s too thin.
9. Can I omit the spiced butter sauce?
   Yes, the soup is delicious on its own, but the sauce adds extra flavor.
10. Can I add meat?
    Yes, adding cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon can enhance the soup’s flavor and make it more filling.