Description
A flavorful and hearty lentil soup that is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup lentils, uncooked
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrot into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate. Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 30–45 seconds, until the water runs clearer.
- Heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent (avoid browning).
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. If it starts to brown, lower the heat slightly.
- Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 teaspoon oregano. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot, until the paste darkens slightly and smells richer.
- Pour in the 3 cups vegetable broth, then add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine and make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom.
- Increase heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, about 5–7 minutes depending on your stove. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring every 8–10 minutes, until lentils are tender and the soup has lightly thickened.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. If the soup is thicker than you like, add a splash of broth or water and simmer for 2–3 minutes more. If you want it thicker, simmer an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes so the flavors settle. Serve warm, ideally with an extra drizzle of olive oil on top.
Notes
- Ideal for serving with bread or over rice.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg