Description
Easy Lemon Lentil Soup is a light yet comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish, featuring tender lentils simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, brightened with fresh lemon juice. This nourishing and wholesome vegan soup is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, providing a flavorful and filling meal that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn, to develop its flavor.
- Add lentils and spices: Pour in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Finish with lemon juice: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious meal.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for brightness and acidity.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for easy reheating and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
