# Warm Up with Hearty Lentil Soup
## Introduction
Warm up your heart with a bowl of homemade Lentil Soup. A well-prepared recipe that is not only comforting but also filled with nutritious ingredients.
## Why make this Lentil Soup?
This soup is perfect for those chilly days and cozy nights when all you need is a dish that not just satisfies your taste buds but also offers comforting warmth. The ingredients are simple and the process is straightforward which makes it a great recipe for first-timer cooks.
## How to make Lentil Soup?
## Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need :
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 cup lentils, rinsed
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
## Directions
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the soup:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent which takes around 5 minutes.
2. Now add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute till the mixture appears fragrant.
3. Pour in the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Increase the heat and let it come to a boil. Then lower the heat to bring it down to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes till the lentils become tender.
4. Season it with salt and pepper. Remember, you can always add more so go light with the salt in the beginning.
5. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice. This will brighten up the flavors.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley on top and serve warm.
## How to serve Lentil Soup?
Serve this hearty lentil soup hot accompanied by a slice of crusty bread for an ultimate comfort meal experience.
## How to store Lentil Soup?
In an airtight container, this soup can be refrigerated for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months. Don’t forget to reheat well before serving.
## Tips to make Lentil Soup
Use fresh vegetables for a better taste. If desired, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
## Variation
You can add bacon or sausage to the soup for a non-vegetarian version.
## FAQs
– Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes, you can use green, brown, or yellow lentils. But avoid using red lentils as they can become mushy.
– What can I substitute for lemon juice?
You can substitute lemon juice with equal amounts of lime juice or white wine vinegar.
– Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes! However, using vegetable broth will give the soup a more intense flavor.
Enjoy this simple, hearty, and flavor-packed Lentil Soup that is nothing but goodness in a bowl!