Description
Whip up a batch of this hearty and flavorful Mediterranean Lentil Soup. Packed with vegetables and plant-based protein, it’s an easy and healthy meal perfect for any day of the week. Simple to make and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2–3 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- 3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the bay leaf.
- 4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 5. Once the lentils are tender, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin it out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g