Description
Hearty winter lentil soup brings warmth and comfort from Mediterranean kitchens, blending earthy legumes with rich seasonal vegetables. Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered broth create a nourishing meal that wraps you in delicious, soul-satisfying comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup red or green lentils
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Liquid Base:
- 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
Instructions
- Submerge lentils in water and bring to a rolling boil for 15 minutes, then carefully drain and rinse before returning to the cooking pot.
- Layer chopped onions, diced celery, shredded cabbage, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sliced carrots, and minced garlic into the pot with the prepared lentils.
- Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling salt, cracked black pepper, a hint of sugar, fragrant basil, earthy thyme, and warming curry powder throughout the mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and allow soup to gently simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, periodically stirring and checking vegetable tenderness until ingredients meld into a rich, comforting consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring balanced flavors and optimal texture before serving hot with optional garnish.
Notes
- Swap lentils easily by using green, brown, or red varieties depending on texture preference and cooking time.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Boost vegetable diversity by incorporating seasonal root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid volume – add more broth for a thinner consistency or simmer longer to create a heartier stew-like texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 148 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg