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Easy Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe

As the days grow colder and the nights stretch longer, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm, hearty soup. This Easy Hearty Lentil Soup recipe is not only simple to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dish for the entire family. With its rich flavours and filling ingredients, it can serve as a delightful lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

To make this flavour-packed lentil soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 200g dried lentils (green or brown are best)
• 1.5 litres vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A squeeze of lemon juice, to serve
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the aroma to permeate the kitchen.

2. Add the Spices:
   Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing them to toast slightly for about a minute. This step will enhance the depth of flavour in your soup.

3. Combine the Ingredients:
   Pour in the can of chopped tomatoes, undrained, along with the rinsed lentils and the vegetable stock. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the lentils are submerged in the liquid.

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer for about 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils have softened and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, feel free to add a splash more stock or water.

5. Season to Taste:
   Once the lentils are tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. For a zesty finish, add a squeeze of lemon juice, which will brighten the flavours beautifully.

6. Serve:
   Ladle the lentil soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and colour.
• Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup, leaving some lentils chunky for added bite.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and can also be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Easy Hearty Lentil Soup recipe is the epitome of simple, nourishing comfort food. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or need an easy weeknight meal, this soup is sure to satisfy. Plus, with its high protein and fibre content, it’s a healthy and fulfilling option that you can enjoy guilt-free. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of homely goodness!

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