Description
This hearty lentil soup is full of rich, comforting flavors, thanks to aromatic vegetables, herbs, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It’s a healthy, protein-packed dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Drizzle of olive oil, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, and thyme. Stir and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, lentils, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture, or transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and stir it back into the pot.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle with olive oil or add a dollop of yogurt before serving.
- You can substitute green or French lentils if brown lentils are unavailable.
- The soup thickens as it sits—add water or broth to adjust consistency when reheating.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
