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Cozy Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Mediterranean lentil soup - featured image

A hearty and healthy Mediterranean lentil vegetable soup packed with vibrant flavors, perfect for chilly winter days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Check lentils for doneness—they should be tender but not mushy. Remove bay leaf.
  7. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or blend a small portion and stir it back in. Adjust spices to taste and use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, Lentil Soup, Winter Recipe, Healthy Soup, Comfort Food