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Close-up of a steaming white bowl filled with Simple Lentil Soup featuring visible lentils, diced carrots, and dark leafy greens.

Simple Lentil Soup

This recipe makes a hearty and nutritious lentil soup using simple ingredients. The optional step of blending a portion of the soup adds richness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, lightly drained
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale, tough ribs removed
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or ½ to 1 medium lemon), to taste

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or pot
  • Blender or immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
  4. Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  5. Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Securely fasten the lid, protect your hand from steam with a tea towel placed over the lid, and purée the soup until smooth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.
  6. Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors are balanced. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve while hot. Leftovers keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months.

Notes

Leftovers will keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months (just defrost before serving).

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