Soup is a fantastic way of loading up on veggies, and this quick easy lentil soup recipe is no exception. It’s filled with lentils (obviously), vegetables including celery, carrots and onions, and has loads of flavor from vegetable stock (or chicken stock if you want something more meaty) and herbs and spices. It’s also really speedy to make, so it’s great if you need a quick weeknight meal.
Because it doesn’t have many ingredients, it’s also really budget friendly too. So if you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and affordable meal, this is the quick easy lentil soup recipe for you. Plus, it’s also a great recipe that can easily be jazzed up with extras such as croutons, crusty bread, or a sprinkling of cheese.
However, the best thing about this quick easy lentil soup recipe is that it’s a firm favorite with both kids and adults alike. It’s got a really mild flavor, so it won’t blow anyone’s socks off (unless you add lots of pepper!), but that also means it’s super versatile; you can add whatever flavors you like.
How To Make Quick Easy Lentil Soup
If you’re new to cooking then this quick easy lentil soup recipe is a great place to start. It really is super simple to make.
Ingredients
- 250g (1 cup) dried red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1.7 liters (7 cups) vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Large saucepan or stockpot
Step by step
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick over them to remove any stones or debris.
- Heat the olive oil in the saucepan over low heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lentils, cumin, coriander, turmeric, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and season to taste with more salt, pepper, and spices, if desired.
- Serve on its own or with your favorite toppings, such as crusty bread, croutons, cheese, or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips or Possible Variation of “quick easy lentil soup recipe”
Here are a few ideas for making this quick easy lentil soup recipe your own:
- Use a different type of lentil. I like red lentils because they cook quickly and break down easily, but if you prefer, you could use brown lentils, green lentils, or even black lentils.
- Add other vegetables. Some good choices include diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use a different type of stock. Don’t feel limited to vegetable stock (or chicken stock). Beef stock, pork stock, or even seafood stock will all work well.
- Add some cream. Stirring in a little cream or milk will give the soup a more velvety texture and richer flavor.
- Make it spicy. Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeno pepper for a little heat.
No matter how you choose to make it, this quick easy lentil soup recipe is a delicious, satisfying, and healthy meal that’s easy on the wallet. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try.
