Pin It A hearty, protein-packed lentil soup brimming with seasonal vegetables and warming spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a nourishing meal any time of year, offering a comforting blend of earthy legumes and vibrant greens.
Pin It With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, this international favorite brings together the smoky notes of paprika and the aromatic warmth of cumin for a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Legumes: 1 cup (200 g) dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 cup (150 g) chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned); 2 cups (60 g) spinach or kale, chopped
- Liquids: 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth; 2 tbsp olive oil
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Step 2
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 4
- Add lentils, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Toss in the bay leaf.
- Step 5
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Step 6
- Add zucchini and simmer for another 10 minutes, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Step 7
- Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Step 8
- Remove bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a creamier texture, partially blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the greens. This allows you to achieve a thick, velvety consistency while still enjoying the texture of whole lentils and vegetables.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily give this soup a different seasonal twist by substituting the zucchini with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or parsnips. This versatility makes it a perfect staple recipe for any time of year.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. For a refined pairing, this dish goes exceptionally well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Pin It Enjoy this easy, nourishing soup as a healthy lunch or a cozy dinner. With 13g of protein per serving, it is a satisfying way to fuel your day with plant-based goodness.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape beautifully during cooking, creating the ideal texture. Red lentils tend to break down completely, resulting in a thicker, porridge-like consistency. Rinse dried lentils thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
- → Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- → How can I make the soup creamier?
Use an immersion blender to partially puree about one-third of the soup before adding the spinach or kale. This creates a velvety base while maintaining satisfying chunks of vegetables and lentils throughout.
- → What vegetables can I substitute?
Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, parsnips, or butternut squash work wonderfully as seasonal additions. Root vegetables add natural sweetness, while peppers contribute vibrant color and extra vitamins.
- → Is this suitable for freezing?
Yes, portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. The lentils may soften slightly but will remain delicious.
- → What pairs well with this soup?
Crusty bread, warm naan, or garlic focaccia complete the meal. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the earthy flavors beautifully.