Best 2 Classic Lentil Soup Recipes

**Lentil Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Culinary Delight**

Lentil soup, a timeless classic in the culinary world, is a symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated taste buds for centuries. Originating from ancient civilizations, this humble dish has evolved into a global favorite, gracing dinner tables across cultures and continents. Lentils, the heart of this wholesome soup, are small, protein-packed legumes that lend a distinctive earthy flavor and a satisfying bite. Combined with an aromatic blend of spices, vegetables, and often meat or broth, lentil soup transforms into a hearty and nourishing meal. Whether enjoyed as a comforting winter warmer or a light and healthy lunch option, this versatile soup offers a delightful culinary experience. From traditional Turkish red lentil soup to hearty German lentil soup with sausage, this article presents a diverse collection of lentil soup recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences. Embark on a culinary journey with us as we explore the diverse world of lentil soups and discover the secrets behind their enduring popularity.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC LENTIL SOUP

Classic Lentil Soup image

Make and share this Classic Lentil Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories Lentil

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils, washed and picked over
1 bay leaf
fresh thyme (several sprigs, or a few pinches of dried)
1 carrot, cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/2 inch dice
6 cups vegetable stock (vegetable stock preferred) or 6 cups water (vegetable stock preferred)
salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Steps:

Add lentils, bay leaf, thyme, carrot, celery, and stock in a saucepan; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then decrease heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, add olive oil to a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it softens, about 5 minutes.
Add in garlic and stir, then cook for 1 minute more and turn off heat.
When the lentils are tender, discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and stir the onion mixture into the soup.
Add more stock if the soup is too thick, then taste; adjust the seasoning and serve.

CLASSIC LENTIL SOUP

CLASSIC LENTIL SOUP image

Categories Soup/Stew Bean Vegetarian Quick & Easy Low Cal High Fiber Healthy Simmer

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

I cup brown lentils
4 cups Kitchen Basics Vegetable Stock
1/4 cup dry red wine
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes peeled, seeded, and chopped)
1 carrot, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp. fresh basil, chopped
1/4 tsp. dried coriander (cilantro)
6 tbsp. Parmesan Cheese, grated

Steps:

Rinse lentils. Combine all ingredients (except grated cheese) in a large saucepan. Bring to boil; then reduce to low. Cover and simmer about 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Ladle into bowls & sprinkle with grated cheese.

Tips:

Use a variety of lentils. This will give your soup a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include brown lentils, green lentils, and red lentils.
Soak your lentils before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and will also reduce the cooking time.
Use a flavorful broth. This will add a lot of flavor to your soup. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even beef broth.
Add plenty of vegetables. This will make your soup more nutritious and filling. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes.
Season your soup to taste. This is important to ensure that your soup is flavorful enough. You can add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices that you like.
Serve your soup with a garnish. This will make your soup more visually appealing and will also add some extra flavor. Some good options include chopped parsley, cilantro, or croutons.

Conclusion:

Lentil soup is a delicious, healthy, and affordable meal that is perfect for a cold day. It is also a great way to use up leftover lentils. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a lentil soup recipe that everyone will enjoy. Try experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique lentil soup recipe.