Budget-Friendly Lentil Soup in 40 Minutes

This Easy One-Pot Lentil Soup is your weeknight dinner hero! Packed with protein and fiber-rich lentils, it’s a nutritional powerhouse that won’t break the bank. Plus, it comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules or meal prepping.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Simple and Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable lentils for a delicious and cost-conscious meal.
• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of lentils and vegetables creates a filling and nutritious soup, perfect for a cozy night in.
• Flavor Explosion: Aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika add depth and warmth to the broth.

Ready to whip up a quick and delicious meal? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

1. Sauté the Veggies:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, releasing its fragrant aroma.

2. Spice Up Your Life:

• Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir and cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.

3. Lentils and Broth:

• Add the rinsed lentils and stir to coat them with the flavorful spices.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer to Perfection:

• Reduce heat, cover the pot partially, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Season and Serve:

• Once the lentils are cooked through, remove the bay leaf.
• Season the soup to your taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Ladle the lentil soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness (optional).

Tips:

• For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot before serving.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Add chopped zucchini, green beans, or frozen peas for additional variation.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Enjoy your hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly Easy One-Pot Lentil Soup!