Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this Carrot and Lentil Soup, a delightful blend of hearty lentils and fresh carrots that delivers both flavor and nutrition. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prep, this soup is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to fuel their body with wholesome ingredients. With its simple preparation steps and budget-friendly ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped (any color)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450 grams) carrots, sliced or cubed
- 1 ⅓ cup (250 grams) green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups (1.5 l) low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoon fine salt, to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, paprika, and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in sliced carrots, rinsed lentils, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook until lentils are tender (25-30 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed. For creaminess, blend part of the soup if desired.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or spinach for added nutrition. Adjust spices according to your taste—add curry powder or chili flakes for an extra kick.