Name: Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Soup:; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery ribs, diced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup green or brown lentils; 3 leaves kale, stemmed and sliced; 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)

Description

Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a hearty and healthy vegetarian dish, packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant Mediterranean flavors, and a touch of lemon for freshness. This nourishing soup is perfect for fall and winter, offering a comforting, filling meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery ribs, diced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 cup green or brown lentils

3 leaves kale, stemmed and sliced

1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Infuse with Flavor:
Add tomato paste, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
Simmer:
Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and lentils. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Blend (Optional):
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly, leaving it chunky. Blend for just a few seconds for a semi-smooth consistency.
Finish with Flavor:
Stir in kale and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to soften the kale. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Notes

Add More Veggies: Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or potatoes for added flavor and texture.

For Extra Creaminess: Add a dollop of cream cheese or coconut milk to make the soup richer.

Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian