Lentil Soup

with Vegetables and Warm Spices

A thick and hearty lentil soup made with vegetables and warm spices. Protein packed, beginner friendly, and perfect for cozy meals.

1. Cook the vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the carrots, garlic, celery, and onion. Cook for five to seven minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden.
Tip: Cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they soften at the same rate.
Cleanup: Wipe down the cutting board after preparing the vegetables to keep your workspace tidy.
2. Build the flavor base
Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for two to three minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens in color. Add the vegetable broth and lentils and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium low, and cook for thirty five to forty minutes until the lentils are tender.
Tip: To check lentils for doneness, press one gently between your fingers. It should give easily without being mushy.
Cleanup: Rinse out the tomato paste can before recycling to avoid sticking residue.
3. Blend part of the soup
Remove about three cups of the soup and transfer to a blender. Remove the center portion of the lid and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape. Blend until almost smooth, then return the mixture to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for partial blending.
Tip: Blending only a portion thickens the soup naturally without adding cream.
Cleanup: Wash the blender jar immediately so the tomato residue does not cling to the sides.
4. Finish and serve
Stir in the chopped parsley and red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with extra parsley sprinkled on top.
Tip: Adding vinegar at the end brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the lentils.
Cleanup: Let the soup cool before transferring leftovers to airtight containers for storage.

Also try...

Frosted Brownies
NEW

These easy frosted brownies are rich, chewy, and topped with a quick cocoa honey frosting made while the brownies bake. A simple one-pan dessert perfect for beginners, family treats, and classic chocolate lovers.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
NEW

This easy Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting one-pot dinner made with tender beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles. Ready in about 40 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup meals.

Grilled Pork Skewers
NEW

Sweet soda, soy, garlic, and vinegar create a flavorful marinade that produces tender pork with deep caramelization, making these skewers a quick and satisfying grilling option.

Lentil Soup

with Vegetables and Warm Spices

1. Cook the vegetables

2. Build the flavor base

3. Blend part of the soup

4. Finish and serve

Also try...

Frosted Brownies
NEW

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
NEW

Grilled Pork Skewers
NEW

Meal Planning on a Budget: How Planning Ahead Saves Money and Reduces Waste

Meal Planning for Busy Families: Save Time, Eat Healthier, and Stress Less

Why Meal Planning is a Game-Changer for Busy Professionals

1. Cook the vegetables

2. Build the flavor base

3. Blend part of the soup

4. Finish and serve

Also try...

Frosted BrowniesNEW

Instant Pot Beef StroganoffNEW

Grilled Pork SkewersNEW

Meal Planning on a Budget: How Planning Ahead Saves Money and Reduces Waste

Meal Planning for Busy Families: Save Time, Eat Healthier, and Stress Less

Why Meal Planning is a Game-Changer for Busy Professionals

Frosted Brownies
NEW

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
NEW

Grilled Pork Skewers
NEW