Lentil lemon soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of year. This soup is packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and a burst of citrus flavor from the lemon. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious lentil lemon soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Lentil Lemon Soup
For the Soup:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish (optional):
- Additional lemon slices
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Lentil Lemon Soup
Cooking the Lentils:
- Prepare the Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them.
- Cook the Lentils:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Finishing the Soup:
- Add Lemon Flavor:
- Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Blend (optional):
- For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some lentils whole for texture.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Lentils:
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also rich in folate, iron, and other essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Vegetables:
Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the soup. They also provide antioxidants and vitamins that support overall health.
Spices:
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika add warmth and depth of flavor to the soup. They also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Lemon:
Lemon zest and juice add a bright, citrusy flavor to the soup. Lemons are also high in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
Parsley:
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.
This lentil lemon soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner, or serve it as a starter for a larger meal. Either way, this soup is sure to brighten your day!
