Why you should make lentil soup
This Lentil Soup is packed with nutrients and provides a great source of plant based fibre. It takes very little effort to prepare as most of the time is spent letting the pot simmer on the stove. You can easily adjust the thickness by adding more or less water depending on your preference. It freezes very well so you can always have a quick meal ready in the freezer.
Follow these simple steps for lentil soup
Prepare vegetables: Peel and finely chop the onion, carrots and celery into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the vegetables to the pan and cook them for five minutes until they become soft.
Rinse lentils: Place the red lentils in a fine mesh sieve and rinse them under cold running water. Check for any small stones or debris before adding them to the pan. Stir the lentils into the softened vegetables so they are coated in the oil.
Simmer soup: Pour the vegetable stock into the pan and add the dried thyme, salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the Lentil Soup simmer for twenty five minutes until the lentils are tender.
Final touch: Taste the soup and add more seasoning if you think it needs it. You can blend a portion of the soup if you prefer a smoother texture or leave it chunky. Serve the hot soup in deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread.
Useful tips for lentil soup
Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or impurities. If the Lentil Soup becomes too thick while simmering, simply stir in a splash of boiling water to reach your desired consistency. You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the earthy flavours. For an extra kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a teaspoon of cumin along with the thyme.
If you want to make the soup heartier, stir in some fresh spinach leaves at the very end until they wilt. This recipe also works well with green or brown lentils, though they may require a longer cooking time. Using a high quality vegetable stock will significantly improve the final taste of the dish.
You may also like
new potatoes with butter and dill,
classic ratatouille or
nachos with cheese.
