Lentil Soup

Affordable and easy to make, this delicious vegan soup packed
with nutrients warms both body and soul on a breezy winter day.

Time to read: 2 mins | Time to make: 1 hour | Yields: 5 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced

• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 1 ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, add more, as needed

• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 chili pepper, deseeded and minced (optional)

• 1 medium yellow potato, chopped into bite-size pieces

• 5 cups of vegetable broth or water

• 1 cup (186 g) of dry green lentils, rinsed

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 thyme or rosemary sprigs

• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon of white-wine, sherry or cider vinegar, or lemon or lime juice, plus more to taste

• 1 cup kale or other dark leafy greens (optional)

• ½ cup parsley leaves, chopped

Method

1. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Stir in onions, carrots, celery, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté until vegetables are slightly tender while stirring frequently. You'll be ready for the next step in 6 to 9 minutes.

2. Add garlic and chili (if using) and cook for another minute allowing garlic and chili to release aromas.

3. Stir in stock, lentils, potato, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, black pepper, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook while stirring occasionally. Lentils will become tender in 30 to 40 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs, rosemary, and bay leaf.

4. If you like creamy soups, you can use an immersion blender to purée the soup to the desired consistency, keeping it chunky or making it smooth. Alternatively, ladle it into a blender and blend in batches.

5. Optional, add your greens, stir, and cover. Cook for 3-4 minutes more to wilt. Remove from heat.

6. Stir in vinegar and taste. Add more salt if needed.

7. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with parsley. Feel free to get creative and add any other garnish you like.

8. Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, but I am sure you will finish them sooner.

Nutrition facts, per serving:

Energy: 207kcal | Carbs: 33g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g