Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup: A Nourishing Bowl of Wellness

As the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. This Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support your immune system and overall health. With the perfect blend of vegetables and protein-rich lentils, each serving provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, helping to keep you energized and satisfied. At about 300 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to warm up on a cold day.

Servings and Preparation Time

• Servings: 6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

3. Incorporate the Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried thyme, cumin, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. If using, add the fresh spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking to wilt it.

5. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for a Perfect Soup

To enhance the flavor of your Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick. For those looking to make this dish even heartier, feel free to toss in additional vegetables such as zucchini or kale. You can also substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option. This soup is incredibly versatile and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a great meal prep option.

Enjoy this nourishing bowl of soup that not only warms you up but also fuels your body with essential nutrients!