Lentils Soup

Hearty Lentils Soup Recipe: A Comforting Meal for Cold Days

As the temperatures drop and chilly days set in, there’s nothing better than a hot, hearty soup to bring comfort and warmth. My go-to for this time of year? Lentils soup! It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a filling meal. This soup is great on its own but becomes even better when paired with some crunchy croutons. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch or a hearty dinner, this lentil soup will hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lentils (dried)
• 16 cups of chicken broth or water
• 3 tablespoons oil (olive oil works well)
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup celery root, diced
• 2 parsnip roots, diced
• 1 turnip, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (plus extra to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley (finely chopped – optional)
• Croutons for serving

• Knife and cutting board
• Large pot
• Hand blender

Instructions:

• In a large pot, add the lentils, chicken broth or water, oil, bay leaves, diced vegetables (carrots, onion, celery root, parsnip, turnip), garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

• Cook the soup:
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

• Blend to desired consistency:
• Once the soup has finished cooking, remove the bay leaves. Using a hand blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can keep it chunky for more texture or blend it until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired.

• Serve with croutons:
• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crunchy croutons on top.

• Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Lentil Soup:

• Lentils: You can use any variety of lentils for this recipe, though brown or green lentils hold their shape best. Red lentils will cook faster and create a smoother texture when blended.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, or leeks would make great additions for even more flavor.
• Broth vs. water: For a richer flavor, use chicken broth. However, water works well too, especially if you want to keep the recipe vegetarian. If you go with water, you may want to add an extra pinch of salt or seasoning to boost the flavor.
• Add spices: For a bit of extra warmth, try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the soup while it’s simmering.
• Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch, and you’ll have leftovers that keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

This hearty lentil soup is sure to become a favorite in your home, especially during the colder months. Easy to make, full of healthy ingredients, and simply delicious—what’s not to love? Pair it with some crispy croutons, and you’ve got the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out or try my other soups. You will be glad you did!

This year I made this soup to warm up after a Halloween party. Check out my Halloween cookies: Glazed Chocolate Spider Cookies and Halloween Bat Cookies. I brought Chive dip with me that was a hit.

ENJOY!