Lentil Lemon Soup Recipe: A Bright and Flavorful Dish

Lentil Lemon Soup Recipe: A Bright and Flavorful Dish

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:

  1. Prepare the Lentils:
  • Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them.
  1. 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:

  1. Add Lemon Flavor:
  • Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  1. Blend (optional):
  • For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some lentils whole for texture.
  1. 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!

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