Lentil bean soup is a traditional cuisine that has been consumed for ages by people from all walks of life. A mainstay in many homes, this filling and healthy soup is not only tasty but also very adaptable.
Lentil bean soup’s deep tastes and filling texture make it a nutritious choice any time of year or a cozy supper on a cold day.
Ingredients
Lentils: Choose green or brown lentils for their robust texture. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a hearty base for the soup.
Vegetables: Use a combination of onions, carrots, and celery (often referred to as mirepoix) to build a flavorful foundation. You can also add garlic for an aromatic boost.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes add acidity and depth to the soup. They balance the earthiness of the lentils beautifully.
Vegetable broth: This serves as the liquid base of your soup. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Spices and herbs: A blend of cumin, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves enhances the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added at the end for freshness.
Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Lentil Bean Soup Recipe
Get your ingredients ready first. To get rid of any dirt or debris, rinse the lentils under cold water. It’s crucial to look for any tiny stones or contaminants that might have gotten inside the package.
To guarantee even cooking, chop your vegetables into uniformly small pieces. As a general guideline, celery, carrots, and onions should be diced to around 1/4 inch.
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The chopped onions will take longer to soften than the other veggies, so add them first when the heat is up. Sauté for around five minutes, or until they are fragrant and transparent.
Then, add chopped celery and carrots to the pot. Continue to sauté these vegetables for another 5 to 7 minutes or until they are somewhat tender. At this stage, add the minced garlic and simmer for a further minute until it becomes aromatic.
It’s time to add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and washed lentils to the pot. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Season with salt and pepper and add your spices (paprika, thyme, and cumin).
Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. After it starts to boil, turn down the heat and put a lid on the pot. For 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but not mushy, let the soup boil slowly. To avoid sticking, stir from time to time.
Improving Taste
Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Depending on your taste, you may need to add extra salt or pepper. Add a dash of spicy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
In the final 10 minutes of simmering, you can add additional ingredients, like diced potatoes or spinach, for more flavor depth. This gives your soup a variety of textures in addition to increasing its nutritious worth.
For a surprising tanginess that perfectly balances the earthy aromas, try adding some smoked paprika or even a dash of balsamic vinegar toward the end of cooking if you want to play around with the flavors some more.
See also: Lemon tomato sauce
Variations on Lentil Bean Soup
The adaptability of lentil bean soup is one of its wonderful qualities; you can alter it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:
Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to your spinach soup if you’re a heat-loving person.
Curried Lentil Soup: For an Indian-inspired touch, use curry powder or garam masala in place of cumin.
Mediterranean Lentil Soup: To give it a Mediterranean character, add feta cheese and chopped olives right before serving.
Creamy Lentil Soup: To achieve a creamier texture without adding dairy, use an immersion blender to mix a portion of the cooked lentil soup.
Serving Recommendations
When your lentil bean soup is complete, turn off the heat and throw away any bay leaves you may have used. For a pop of color and freshness, ladle liberal quantities into bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
For a full dinner, this soup is great with crusty bread or a side salad. For added creaminess, you can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top.
Serve your soup with handmade croutons made from stale bread that has been coated in olive oil and herbs and baked until crispy for a little more decadence.
Storage Advice
For up to five days, lentil bean soup keeps nicely in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Additionally, it freezes nicely; just allow it to cool entirely before putting it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over low heat when you’re ready to eat it again.
Consider reserving any garnishes, such as fresh herbs, until you are ready to serve after reheating to preserve the best flavor when freezing.
In conclusion
In addition to being comforting, lentil bean soup is also simple to prepare and adaptable. This dish is ideal for any cooking arsenal, whether you’re searching for a quick weekday dinner or a meal prep alternative for hectic days ahead. It is certain to become a household favorite due to its healthful components and rich flavors.
