If you’re looking for a supper that’s both simple and delicious, this healthy Lentil Soup is exactly what you need. This hearty soup is loaded with fiber, protein, and a wide variety of other essential nutrients that will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the whole day. You only need a few basic ingredients and a short amount of time to prepare a dish that is not only delicious but also beneficial to your health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- Remove the soup from heat and add the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Health Benefits
Not only is lentil soup wonderful, but it is also very good for your health. Lentils are a great choice for vegetarians and vegans because they are a great source of protein that comes from plants. They also have a lot of dietary fiber, which keeps your digestive system healthy and helps you lose weight by making you feel full for longer.
Also, lentils are full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs, like iron, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are good for your general health because they help your immune system, make healthy blood cells, and keep your muscles working well. Also, lentils have antioxidants that help fight inflammation and keep your body from getting chronic diseases. With all of these great health benefits, it’s no wonder that Lentil Soup is a popular choice for people who want a healthy and comfortable meal.
This healthy lentil soup recipe is not only a wonderful and comforting meal, but also a nutritional powerhouse. You can feel good about eating this tasty food because it has a lot of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals in it. Don’t be afraid to try this easy-to-make soup and share it with your family and friends.
Enjoy!
