Lentil Soup
Simple ingredients come together to create a hearty bowl of comfort in this easy Lentil Soup. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it's a budget-friendly meal that's filling, nutritious, and perfect for meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaves.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the parsley and lemon juice, if using.
- Serve hot with bread or crackers.