Lentils are a humble but mighty legume that are packed with protein and fiber. They're also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and curries.
This recipe for lentil soup is simple and straightforward, but it's packed with flavor. The lentils are simmered in a savory broth with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, cumin, and oregano. The result is a hearty and satisfying soup that's perfect for a cold winter day.
Lentil soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
To make the soup even more flavorful, you can brown the vegetables in a little olive oil before adding them to the pot. This will help to develop their flavor and give the soup a richer taste.
Once the soup is finished cooking, be sure to taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or cumin to taste.
Lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Lentils have been cultivated for thousands of years and are one of the oldest known legumes. They were a staple food in ancient Egypt and were even found in the tombs of the pharaohs. Lentils were also an important food for the Romans and Greeks, who believed that they were a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
In the Middle Ages, lentils were a popular food among the poor and working class. They were often used in soups and stews, and were also used to make a type of bread called lentil bread. Lentils remained a popular food in Europe until the 19th century, when they were largely replaced by potatoes.
Today, lentils are still eaten all over the world. They are a popular ingredient in soups, stews, salads, and curries. Lentils are also a good source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy and filling meal.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup lentils
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
Rinse the lentils and sort through to remove any debris.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the cumin and oregano to the pot and cook for 1 minute more.
Add the lentils and vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the parsley and serve.
Why It Works
Simmering the lentils in a flavorful broth helps to develop their flavor and make them tender.
Adding vegetables to the soup adds nutrients and flavor.
Browning the vegetables before adding them to the pot helps to develop their flavor and give the soup a richer taste.
Adjusting the seasonings to taste ensures that the soup is flavorful and to your liking.