Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup is a warm and hearty dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also very simple to make. Lentils provide a great source of protein and fiber, making this meal filling and satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Lentil Soup is a fantastic idea for several reasons. First, it is quite easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Second, it is budget-friendly; lentils are inexpensive and can be found in most grocery stores. Lastly, this soup is very versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add some meat, Lentil Soup can be adapted to whatever you have on hand.

How to Make Lentil Soup

Making Lentil Soup is straightforward and quick. Here’s how you can do it.

Ingredients

• 200 g brown lentils (1 cup)
• 1 liter vegetable or beef broth (4 cups)
• 2 carrots, diced (200 g / 7 oz)
• 2 potatoes, diced (300 g / 10 oz)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 smoked sausages (e.g. Frankfurter or Wiener, about 200 g / 7 oz)
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp vinegar or mustard for serving

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent.
2. Add carrots and potatoes to the pot and sauté for another 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the lentils, broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer covered for 30–40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Slice the sausage and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Before serving, season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or mustard if desired.

How to Serve Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup can be served in bowls, with a piece of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. If you want, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor or even serve a dollop of sour cream.

How to Store Lentil Soup

To store Lentil Soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Lentil Soup

• Rinse the lentils before adding them to the soup to remove any debris or dust.
• If you like a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it and mix it back in.
• Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers for a veggie boost.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version of Lentil Soup by leaving out the sausage and using vegetable broth. Additionally, spices like cumin or smoked paprika can be added for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes, you can use green or red lentils, but the cooking time may vary. Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down, making the soup creamier.

2. Is Lentil Soup healthy?
Yes! Lentil Soup is very healthy. Lentils are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this soup a nourishing option.

3. Can I make Lentil Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender.