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Mediterranean Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

This Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender lentils with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a hint of lemon for brightness. It’s a wholesome, nourishing soup perfect as a comforting meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 3/4 tsp salt, divided
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 3 bay leaves

Liquids and Others

  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 9 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes to a deep red and the spices become fragrant.
  3. Simmer Lentils: Pour in 9 cups of water, add the rinsed lentils, bay leaves, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  4. Finish Soup: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Serve the soup topped with optional minced parsley for garnish.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils with the back of a spoon before serving.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
  • This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.
  • For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage.

Keywords: Mediterranean lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, healthy lentil soup, vegan soup, easy lentil soup

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/mediterranean-lentil-soup-recipe/