Mediterranean · serves 2

Lentil Soup

One pot, cheap, and it's the thing to make when someone's under the weather.

30 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery or capsicum, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 can tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Lemon
  • Olive oil

Method

  1. Soften onion, carrot and celery in olive oil, 8 minutes. Don't rush this.
  2. Garlic, cumin, paprika, 1 minute.
  3. Lentils, tomatoes, 5 cups water, salt. Boil then simmer 20 minutes.
  4. The lentils should collapse completely. Blend half if you want it smoother.
  5. Lots of lemon at the end — it wakes the whole thing up. Bread on the side.

Questions people ask about Lentil Soup

How long does Lentil Soup take?

About 30 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What is the one thing to get right in Lentil Soup?

Soften onion, carrot and celery in olive oil, 8 minutes. Don't rush this.

What can I use instead of onion in Lentil Soup?

Use shallots, which are sweeter, or leeks for a milder result. Neither browns quite as deeply.

Can I make Lentil Soup ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Lentil Soup vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Lentil Soup?

Bread on the side. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

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