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To make a flavorful Mediterranean lentil soup, you need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 zucchini, diced - 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and hearty soup. You can swap green lentils for brown ones if you prefer. Both types work well and add protein and fiber. To dress up your soup, consider these garnishes: - Chopped fresh parsley - A dollop of yogurt These add fresh flavors and a creamy texture. You can serve the soup with warm bread like crusty baguette or pita. A simple side salad also pairs well. It adds crunch and freshness to the meal. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make this Mediterranean lentil soup, start by cooking the base. First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft but not brown. Next, stir in three cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook this mix for one more minute. You will smell a wonderful aroma fill your kitchen. Now, rinse one cup of green or brown lentils under cold water. This step is key as it removes any dust. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with six cups of vegetable broth and one can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the lentils. You want them to be tender but not mushy. If they are too firm, give them a few more minutes. In the last ten minutes of cooking, add one diced zucchini and two cups of chopped spinach or kale. Stir well and allow them to cook until just tender. After cooking, stir in the juice of one lemon. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Your Mediterranean lentil soup is now ready to serve hot. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy! To make your lentil soup extra tasty, focus on a few key steps. First, sauté your veggies well. Cook the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes. This makes them soft and brings out their sweet flavor. Next, add garlic and spices like cumin and smoked paprika. This will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Avoid common mistakes to ensure success. Do not skip rinsing your lentils. This step removes dirt and small stones. Also, don’t overcook the soup. Keep an eye on your lentils; they should be tender but not mushy. Lastly, stir in lemon juice at the end. This brightens the flavors and makes the soup lively. When serving your lentil soup, consider using deep bowls. This helps keep the soup warm longer. Pair it with crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough. The bread is perfect for dipping and adds a nice texture. For drinks, a crisp white wine works great. A Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio enhances the meal. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a lemon slice. It refreshes the palate and balances the soup's richness. Pro Tips Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a cleaner flavor in your soup. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to swap spinach for kale or other greens based on what you have on hand. Each will add a unique flavor and texture. Add More Veggies: Don't hesitate to add more vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor. Enhance the Flavor: Adding a dash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar just before serving can elevate the soup's flavors significantly. {{image_2}} You can change this soup in many ways! Adding new veggies can make it fun. Try sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or corn for a twist. You can also mix in proteins like cooked chicken or chickpeas. They add heartiness and flavor. Spices and herbs can change the taste, too. If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a fresh note, try fresh basil or thyme. Each option gives your soup a new vibe. Making this soup vegan is easy. Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. It’s still rich and tasty! If you need it gluten-free, you're in luck; lentils are naturally gluten-free. Just check the broth label to ensure it's gluten-free, too. For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium broth and skip added salt. You can still enjoy a flavorful soup without the extra salt. After making Mediterranean lentil soup, you may want to save some for later. The best way to store leftovers is in airtight containers. You can refrigerate the soup for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, your soup stays fresh for up to three months. To keep the soup flavorful, let it cool before sealing. Avoid adding any garnishes until you reheat the soup. This helps keep the taste bright and fresh. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, you can safely reheat the soup. The best methods are on the stove or in the microwave. If you use the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. For the microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. To restore texture and flavor, add a splash of vegetable broth or water if needed. This helps bring back the soup's original creaminess. Stir well before serving to mix everything together. Enjoy your comforting dish again! How long can you store lentil soup? You can store lentil soup in the fridge for up to five days. Keep it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Can you make lentil soup in advance? Yes, you can make lentil soup in advance. It tastes even better the next day! Just let it cool and store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat it gently when you are ready to enjoy. Health benefits of lentils Lentils are great for your health. They are high in protein and fiber. This helps you feel full and satisfied. Lentils also have many vitamins and minerals. They can help lower cholesterol and support heart health. Caloric and nutrient breakdown per serving One serving of Mediterranean lentil soup has about 200 calories. It provides 12 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbs. Each bowl is packed with nutrients from the veggies and lentils, making it a wholesome meal. Mediterranean lentil soup is simple to make and full of flavor. We covered the main ingredients, from lentils to spices. You can customize it with garnishes like parsley or yogurt. I shared key tips for cooking, ensuring your lentils are tender. Experiment with different veggies and adjust for dietary needs. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Finally, dive into FAQs to clear any doubts. Enjoy this healthy recipe and make it your own!

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup made with lentils and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 medium Juice of 1 lemon
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes along with their juices to the pot. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  • In the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the diced zucchini and spinach (or kale). Stir well and simmer until just tender.
  • Once cooked, stir in the lemon juice and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to your liking.
Keyword healthy, lentils, soup, vegetarian