Description
A nourishing and delicious lentil and vegetable soup that is perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bunch Swiss chard or spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup short-grain rice or white potatoes, cubed (optional)
- Juice of 2 lemons (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
- Add the Base Ingredients: Add in the diced carrots, rinsed lentils, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the lentils with the spices.
- Pour in the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water, if preferred). Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes. If you’re using rice or potatoes, add them now and cook until tender.
- Stir in the Greens: Once the lentils are soft and the carrots are tender, add the chopped Swiss chard or spinach. Let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the greens wilt beautifully into the soup.
- Add the Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Start with the juice of one lemon, taste, and adjust — the magic of this soup lies in that bright citrus zing.
- Serve and Savor: Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside warm pita. This soup is even better the next day as the flavors deepen and develop overnight.
Notes
- Adjust the lemon juice according to your preference for a more tangy flavor.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg