Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery, and sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Mix in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, cilantro, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring well to combine.
- If using, fold in the baby spinach or kale and let it wilt in the hot soup for a few minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Q1: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use canned lentils as a time-saving alternative. However, adjust the cooking time accordingly as canned lentils are already cooked.
Q2: Is it necessary to include the fresh herbs for this lentil soup?
A2: The fresh herbs add vibrant flavors to the soup, but if you prefer, you can also use dried herbs. Just remember to adjust the quantities, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones.
Q3: Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?
A3: Yes, you can make the soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.