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Mediterranean Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 369 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Mediterranean Lentil Soup made with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and tangy lemon juice. This nutritious, comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal and can be easily prepared on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 1 rib celery (diced)
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 3/4 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 3 bay leaves

Other Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 9 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize to a deep red color and releasing the fragrant spices.
  3. Simmer Lentils: Pour in the water, add rinsed lentils, bay leaves, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  4. Finish Soup: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to enrich the soup’s flavor.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with minced parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown or green lentils with red lentils, but cooking time may vary.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference or omit for milder flavor.
  • For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
  • This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Mediterranean lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, vegan soup, healthy soup, easy stovetop soup

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/mediterranean-lentil-soup-recipe/