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The Best Lentil Soup

A hearty and flavorful lentil soup packed with vegetables and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  5. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Stir in lemon juice (if using).
  7. Serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.