Lentils, one of the world's oldest cultivated crops, are a nutritional powerhouse. They're packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. This simple lentil soup recipe is a great way to enjoy the benefits of lentils in a delicious and satisfying meal.
The key to this soup is to use a good-quality vegetable broth. I recommend using a homemade broth, but if you're short on time, you can use a store-bought broth. Just make sure to choose a broth that's low in sodium.
Once you have your broth, simply add the lentils, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the soup from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld together.
Serve the soup with your favorite toppings, such as cilantro, yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!
Lentils have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries. They were first cultivated in the Middle East over 10,000 years ago, and they were brought to Europe by the Romans. Lentils were a popular food in the Middle Ages, and they were often used in soups and stews. In the 16th century, lentils were introduced to the Americas by European settlers. Today, lentils are grown all over the world, and they are a popular ingredient in many different cuisines.
There are many different varieties of lentils, but the most common type is the brown lentil. Brown lentils have a mild, nutty flavor, and they hold their shape well when cooked. They are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, and folate.
This lentil soup recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of lentils. It is a great meal for vegetarians and vegans, and it is also a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy and affordable meal.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne (if using).
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite toppings, such as cilantro, yogurt (for non-vegans), or a squeeze of lemon.
Why It Works
The combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying soup.
The lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, and folate.
The soup is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.