Description
Hearty Lentil and Carrot Soup is a comforting, protein-packed dish combining earthy lentils with sweet carrots and aromatic spices. This nutritious soup is perfect as a wholesome meal on its own or served alongside crusty bread for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dry lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris before cooking.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian and vegan-friendly soup.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preferences, adding more paprika for smokiness or cumin for earthiness.
- This soup can be blended partially for a creamier texture if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
